Led lamp

ABSTRACT

An LED lamp ( 1 ) is employed in a state mounted on a lighting fixture. The LED lamp ( 1 ) includes an LED source portion ( 2 ) including a plurality of LED chips, an illuminance sensor module ( 12 ) detecting ambient illuminance, and a controller controlling the LED source portion ( 2 ) in response to illuminance of ambient light other than light emitted by the LED source portion ( 2 ) on the basis of an output signal received from the illuminance sensor module ( 12 ) when the LED source portion ( 2 ) is in a lighting-up state. When the LED source portion ( 2 ) is in the lighting-up state, there is a possibility that the illuminance sensor module ( 12 ) detects not only the ambient light illuminance but also spontaneous light illuminance. The controller eliminates influence by the spontaneous light illuminance, and controls the LED source portion ( 2 ) in response to the illuminance of the ambient light.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an LED lamp, mounted on a lightingfixture to be employed, having a plurality of LED (light-emitting diode)chips.

2. Description of Related Art

An LED lamp having a light source formed by LEDS (light-emitting diodes)is disclosed in Patent Document 1 (International Unexamined PatentPublication No. 2010/018682). The LED lamp has a sheetlike light sourceportion constituted of a substrate and a plurality of LED chips arrangedon the substrate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an LED lamp controllable in response toambient brightness.

The present invention provides an LED lamp, mounted mounted on alighting fixture, including an LED source portion including a pluralityof LED chips, an illuminance sensor detecting ambient illuminance, and acontroller controlling the LED source portion in response to theilluminance of ambient ambient light other than light emitted by the LEDsource portion portion on the basis of an output signal received fromthe illuminance sensor when the LED source portion is in a lighting-upstate (claim 1). According to this structure, the LED lamp includes theilluminance sensor, which may detect not only the illuminance of theambient light but also the illuminance of spontaneous light emitted bythe LED source portion when the LED source portion is in the lighting-upstate. According to the present invention, the controller controls theLED source portion in response to the illuminance of the ambient lightwhile eliminating influence by the spontaneous light illuminance,thereby properly controlling the LED source portion in response toambient brightness. In other words, the controller can vary a drivenstate of the LED source portion with the ambient illuminance even if thelighting fixture includes no illuminance sensor.

The illuminance sensor may be arranged to detect the light emitted bythe LED source portion and the ambient light (claim 2). Also in thisarrangement, the controller controls the LED source portion in responseto the illuminance of the ambient light while eliminating the influenceby the spontaneous light illuminance, whereby flexibility in thearrangement of the illuminance sensor is improved, and the controllerimplements excellent control responsive to the ambient brightness.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the controllerincludes a spontaneous light illuminance calculating means calculatingspontaneous light illuminance contributed to the output signal of theilluminance sensor by the light emitted by the LED source portion on thebasis of a driven state of the LED source portion, and an on-off controlmeans turning on the LED source portion when ambient light illuminanceobtained by subtracting the spontaneous light illuminance from theoutput signal of the illuminance sensor is less than or equal to aprescribed threshold and turning off the LED source portion when theambient light illuminance is in excess of the threshold (claim 3). Thedriven state of the LED source portion and the spontaneous lightilluminance are correlated with each other. Therefore, the spontaneouslight illuminance calculating means can calculate the spontaneous lightilluminance on the basis of the driven state of the LED source portion.The on-off control means can properly evaluate the ambient lightilluminance by employing the calculated spontaneous light illuminance.In other words, the on-off control means can properly on-off control theLED source portion by comparing the ambient light illuminance obtainedby subtracting the spontaneous light illuminance from the output signalof the illuminance sensor with the threshold and employing the result ofthe comparison.

Preferably, the controller further includes an illuminance-adaptivedriving means driving the LED source portion with power responsive tothe ambient light illuminance when the ambient light illuminance is lessthan or equal to the threshold (claim 4). According to this structure,the controller can properly drive the LED source portion in response tothe ambient light illuminance. In other words, the controller can bringthe LED source portion into a proper light-emitting state and contributeto energy saving by reducing driving power for the LED source portion asthe ambient light illuminance is increased.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the controllerincludes a storage means storing the output signal received from theilluminance sensor, a comparison means comparing the output signal ofthe illuminance sensor and the value stored in the storage means witheach other, and an on-off control means turning on/off the LED sourceportion in response to the result of the comparison of the comparisonmeans (claim 5). When the on-off control means turns on the LED sourceportion in a state where the ambient light illuminance is zero (i.e., astate with no external light), for example, it follows that the outputof the illuminance sensor expresses the spontaneous light illuminance.Therefore, the controller can store the spontaneous light illuminance inthe storage means by storing the output of the illuminance sensortherein.

The storage means may be formed to store the output signal received fromthe illuminance sensor when the LED source portion is in a predeterminedlighting-up state (claim 6). Thus, the storage means can store thespontaneous light illuminance in the lighting-up state. Therefore, thecontroller can correctly estimate the ambient light illuminance from theoutput of the illuminance by referring to the value stored in thestorage means when driving the LED source portion in the lighting-upstate.

The LED lamp preferably further includes a writing instruction meansoperated by an operator for writing the output signal of the illuminancesensor in the storage means, and in this case, the controller preferablyfurther includes a writing means writing the output signal of theilluminance sensor in the storage means in response to an operation ofthe writing instruction means (claim 7). Thus, the controller canreliably write the output signal of the illuminance sensor in thestorage means.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, thewriting instruction means includes a lighting-up instruction means forturning on the LED source portion in a predetermined state, and thecontroller further includes a writing control means inhibiting thewriting means from writing the output signal when the output signal ofthe illuminance sensor has already been written in the storage means andallowing the writing means to write the output signal when the outputsignal of the illuminance sensor is not yet written in the storage means(claim 8). According to this structure, the controller can write theoutput signal currently received from the illuminance sensor in thestorage means as the spontaneous light illuminance, when turning on theLED source portion in the predetermined state. Once the output signal iswritten in the storage means, the control means inhibits the writingmeans from writing the output signal in the storage means. Therefore,the controller first turns on the LED source portion in thepredetermined state in a proper environment with no external light, sothat the writing means can easily write correct spontaneous lightilluminance in the storage means.

Preferably, the LED lamp further includes an inhibition cancelingoperation means operated by the operator for canceling inhibition of thewriting operation by the writing means, and the writing control means isformed to allow the writing means to write the output signal in thestorage means once in response to the operation of the inhibitioncanceling operation means (claim 9). According to this structure, theoperator cancels the inhibition of the writing operation in the storagemeans by operating the inhibition canceling operation means, wherebyhe/she can correct an improper value written in the storage means, forexample.

The comparison means preferably includes a means determining whether ornot the ambient light illuminance obtained by subtracting the valuestored in the storage means from the output signal of the illuminancesensor is less than or equal to the prescribed threshold, and in thiscase, the on-off control means is preferably formed to turn on the LEDsource portion when the ambient light illuminance is less than or equalto the threshold and to turn off the LED source portion when the ambientlight illuminance is in excess of the threshold (claim 10). When thespontaneous light illuminance is correctly written in the storage means,the value obtained by subtracting the value stored in the storage meansfrom the output signal of the illuminance sensor correctly expresses theambient light illuminance. The on-off control means can properly turnon/off the LED source portion in response to the ambient brightness byemploying the correct ambient light illuminance.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, thecontroller includes a PWM (pulse width modulation) control meansPWM-controlling the LED source portion, and a sampling means samplingthe output signal of the illuminance sensor as ambient light illuminancein an OFF-period when power supply to the LED source portion is stoppedin a PWM cycle when the PWM control means PWM-controls the LED sourceportion, and is formed to control the LED source portion in response tothe ambient light illuminance sampled by the sampling means (claim 11).The LED source portion is in a lighting-up state in an ON-period of thePWM cycle, and in a lighting-out state in the OFF-period. When thesampling means samples the output signal of the illuminance sensor inthe OFF-period of the PWM cycle, therefore, the sampled signal correctlyexpresses the ambient light illuminance. Therefore, the controller canproperly control the LED source portion in response to the ambientbrightness by employing the correct ambient light illuminance.

Preferably, the controller further includes a duty ratio setting meanssetting a duty ratio in the PWM control on the basis of the ambientlight illuminance sampled by the sampling means (claim 12). According tothis structure, the controller properly drives the LED source portionwith power responsive to the illuminance of the ambient light.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the LED lampfurther includes a motion sensor having a predetermined sensitivityregion, and the controller is formed to control the LED source portionin response to an output signal received from the motion sensor (claim13). According to this structure, the controller can drive the LEDsource portion in response to the presence or absence of a humanentrance into the sensitivity region. The LED lamp stores the motionsensor, whereby an illuminator having a motion sensing function can beprovided also when the lighting fixture includes no motion sensor.

Preferably, the controller is formed to increase driving power for theLED source portion in response to detection of a human being by themotion sensor (claim 14). According to this structure, the quantity oflight emitted by the LED source portion is increased when a human beingenters the sensitivity region. Thus, the LED source portion emits anecessary quantity of light only when required, whereby an energy-savingproperty can be improved.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the LED lampfurther includes a noncontact temperature sensor detecting thetemperature of an object present in a predetermined temperature-sensingarea in a noncontact manner, and the controller is formed to control theLED source portion in response to the temperature detected by thenoncontact temperature sensor (claim 15). While the motion sensorresponds to a motion of a human being, the noncontact temperature sensordetects the temperature of the object in a noncontact manner, wherebythe same can detect a human being standing still in thetemperature-sensing area. Therefore, the controller can properly drivethe LED source portion when a stationary human being is present in thetemperature-sensing area. The LED lamp stores the noncontact temperaturesensor, whereby an illuminator having a stationary human body sensingfunction can be provided also when the lighting fixture includes nononcontact temperature sensor.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the motionsensor includes a pyroelectric infrared sensor, and the LED lamp furtherincludes a shutter unit opening/closing (e.g. periodically shutting) aninfrared incidence path to a photoreceiving surface of the pyroelectricinfrared sensor (claim 16). If the shutter unit opens/closes (e.g.periodically shuts) the infrared incidence path when a human being ispresent in a sensitivity region of the pyroelectric infrared sensor, thepyroelectric infrared sensor outputs a signal resulting from apyroelectric effect even if the human being is stationary. If no humanbeing is present in the sensitivity region, no significant changeappears in the output of the pyroelectric infrared sensor also when theshutter unit opens/closes the infrared incidence path. Thus, thestationary human body sensing function can be implemented with thepyroelectric infrared sensor at a remarkably lower cost as compared witha temperature sensor. Further, the pyroelectric infrared sensor providedon the motion sensor can also be employed for sensing a stationary humanbody, whereby the cost for the LED lamp can be effectively reduced.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the LED lampfurther includes a pyroelectric infrared sensor having a predeterminedsensitivity region, and a shutter unit opening/closing (e.g.periodically shutting) an infrared incidence path to a photoreceivingsurface of the pyroelectric infrared sensor, and the controller isformed to determine the presence or absence of a human being in thesensitivity region on the basis of an output signal received from thepyroelectric infrared sensor and to control the LED source portion inresponse to the result of the determination (claim 17). Also accordingto this structure, the stationary human body sensing function can beprovided without employing a temperature sensor, due to a principlesimilar to the above. Further, the pyroelectric infrared sensor isprovided separately from the motion sensor, whereby the sensitivityregions of the pyroelectric infrared sensor and the motion sensor can beindividually set. Thus, the controller can more properly sense thepresence or absence of a stationary human being, for properlycontrolling the LED source portion in response to the result of thesensing.

The foregoing and other objects, features and effects of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an LED lamp according to a firstembodiment of a first structural example of the present invention,upwardly showing a lower portion in a normal used state.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structureof the LED lamp in a vertical section in the normal used state.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view showing the internal structure of the LEDlamp (a diagram showing the LED lamp in the attitude shown in FIG. 1 asviewed from above).

FIG. 4 illustratively shows a sensitivity region of a motion sensormodule.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a structural example of an LEDmodule.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are illustrative front elevational views forillustrating a sensing area of the motion sensor module, showing a statewhere the LED lamp is mounted on a lighting fixture.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for illustrating the electrical structure ofthe LED lamp.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing examples of control contents of processingrepeated by a microcomputer provided on the LED lamp every prescribedcontrol cycle.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for illustrating a control operation of themicrocomputer in a standby running mode (at a step S6 in FIG. 8).

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for illustrating the electrical structure ofan LED lamp according to a second embodiment of the first structuralexample of the present invention.

FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are flow charts for illustrating an example of acontrol operation of processing repeated by a microcomputer everyprescribed control cycle.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for illustrating a third embodiment of the firststructural example of the present invention, showing an operation in astandby running mode applicable in place of the standby running modeshown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is an illustrative timing chart for illustrating timing forsampling an output signal of an illuminance sensor module in the standbyrunning mode.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view for illustrating the structure of an LEDlamp according to a fourth embodiment of the first structural example ofthe present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an LED lamp according to a fifthembodiment of the first structural example of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an LED lamp according to a sixthembodiment of the first structural example of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view partially showing the structure of an LEDlamp according to a seventh embodiment of the first structural exampleof the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing another structural example of themotion sensor module.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing still another structural exampleof the motion sensor module.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view for illustrating the structure of an LEDlamp according to an eighth embodiment of the first structural exampleof the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram for illustrating the electrical structure ofan LED lamp according to a ninth embodiment of the first structuralexample of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for illustrating the positional relation between apyroelectric infrared sensor provided on the motion sensor module and ashutter unit.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for illustrating a principle of sensing astationary human body with the pyroelectric infrared sensor and theshutter unit.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing examples of control contents ofprocessing repeated by the microcomputer every prescribed control cycle.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram for illustrating the electrical structure ofan LED lamp according to a tenth embodiment of the first structuralexample of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view showing an example of an LED lamp accordingto a second structural example of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view showing an LED module employed for the LEDlamp shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a system block diagram of the LED lamp shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing lighting-up control in a normal runningmode of the LED lamp shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing lighting-up control in an all-nightrunning mode of the LED lamp shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 31 is a schematic side elevational view showing a used state of theLED lamp shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 32 is a schematic side elevational view showing a lighting-up stateof the LED lamp shown in FIG. 26.

FIGS. 33 and 34 are schematic side elevational views showing stateswhere the lighting-up state of the LED lamp shown in FIG. 26 iscontinued.

FIG. 35 is a schematic side elevational view showing a lighting-up stateof the LED lamp shown in FIG. 26 in the all-night running mode.

FIG. 36 is a schematic side elevational view showing a lighting-outstate of the LED lamp shown in FIG. 26 in the all-night running mode.

FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing lighting-up control of an LED lampaccording to a modification of the present invention in a normal runningmode.

FIG. 38 is a schematic side elevational view showing a used state of anexample of a conventional LED lamp.

FIG. 39 illustrates a state where an LED lamp with a motion sensoraccording to a first embodiment of a third structural example of thepresent invention is set on a ceiling.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing a first end portion of the LEDlamp with a motion sensor shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing a second end portion of the LEDlamp with a motion sensor shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 42 is a plan view showing the interior of a principal portion ofthe LED lamp with a motion sensor shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 43 is a plan view showing the motion sensor of the LED lamp with amotion sensor shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 44 is a sectional view taken along a line VI-VI in FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a bottom plan view of the motion sensor shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a first used state of the LED lamp with amotion sensor shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 47 is an enlarged view of a principal portion of the LED lamp witha motion sensor shown in FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a state after changing a detection rangefrom the state shown in FIG. 46.

FIG. 49 is an enlarged view of a principal portion of the LED lamp witha motion sensor shown in FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing a second used state of the LED lamp with amotion sensor shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 51 is an enlarged view of a principal portion of the LED lamp witha motion sensor shown in FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 is a diagram showing a state after changing a detection rangefrom the state shown in FIG. 50.

FIG. 53 is an enlarged view of a principal portion of the LED lamp witha motion sensor shown in FIG. 52.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view showing a second end portion of an LEDlamp with a motion sensor according to a second embodiment of the thirdstructural example of the present invention.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view showing a first end portion of the LEDlamp with a motion sensor shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 is a diagram showing a state after rotation of a first movableportion shown in FIG. 55.

FIG. 57 is a diagram showing a state where an LED lamp with a motionsensor according to a third embodiment of the third structural exampleof the present invention is set to be recessed in a ceiling.

FIG. 58 illustrates an example of usage of the LED lamp with a motionsensor shown in FIG. 57.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of an LED lamp with a motion sensoraccording to a fourth embodiment of the third structural example of thepresent invention.

FIG. 60 illustrates a used state of the LED lamp with a motion sensorshown in FIG. 59.

FIG. 61 illustrates an LED lamp with a motion sensor according to afifth embodiment of the third structural example of the presentinvention.

FIG. 62 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional LED lamp witha motion sensor.

FIG. 63 illustrates a used state of the conventional LED lamp with amotion sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are now described in detail withreference to the attached drawings.

[1] FIRST STRUCTURAL EXAMPLE

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an LED lamp 1 according to a firstembodiment of a first structural example of the present invention,upwardly showing a lower portion in a normal used state. FIG. 2 is alongitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the LEDlamp 1 in a vertical section in the normal used state. FIG. 3 is abottom plan view showing the internal structure of the LED lamp 1 (adiagram showing the LED lamp 1 in the attitude shown in FIG. 1 as viewedfrom above).

The LED lamp 1 can be mounted on a fluorescent lamp lighting fixture, tobe employed as the substitution of a straight fluorescent lamp. In acase of attaching the LED lamp 1 to a lighting fixture mounted on aceiling, for example, it follows that a portion upwardly shown in FIG. 1is directed downward. The LED lamp 1 includes an LED source portion 2, asupport member 3, a case 4, a pair of caps 5, and a pair of bases 6. Thecase 4 holds a motion sensor module 11, an illuminance sensor module 12,and a temperature sensor module 13. FIGS. 2 and 3 omit illustration ofthe illuminance sensor module 12 and the temperature sensor module 13.

The LED source portion 2 includes a substrate 7 and a plurality of LEDmodules 8. The substrate 7 is a wiring board having an elongatingrectangular shape, prepared by forming a wiring pattern on a substratemade of resin such as glass epoxy resin, for example. The plurality ofLED modules 8 are aligned on the surface of the substrate 7 along thelongitudinal direction thereof. The plurality of LED modules 8 mayalternatively be arrayed on the substrate 7 in a plurality of lines, asa matter of course. Thus, the LED source portion 2 has a planarlight-emitting area 9 (see FIG. 3) elongating in the longitudinaldirection of the substrate 7. The light-emitting area 9 has a center 9 aon a longitudinal central position of the substrate 7. The LED sourceportion 2 radiates light toward an illuminational region centering on anillumination axis 35 extending from the center 9 a of the light-emittingarea 9 in the normal direction of the substrate 7.

The support member 3 is made of a highly heat-conductive material (amaterial having higher heat conductivity than the substrate 7) such asaluminum, for example, and in the form of a slender hollow blockextending along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 7. Morespecifically, a section of the support member 3 orthogonal to thelongitudinal direction has a hollow semicircular shape, and the supportmember 3 has a cylindrical surface 3 a conforming to the innerperipheral surface of the case 4 and a planar surface 3 b opposed to thesubstrate 7. The substrate 7 is mounted on the planar surface 3 b. Theplanar surface 3 b is formed to be wider than the breadth (the length inthe short-side direction) of the substrate 7 and larger than the length(in the longitudinal direction) of the substrate 7. The support member 3also functions as a heat transfer member (or a heat radiation member)transferring heat generated by the LED source portion 2 to the case 4and the caps 5, in addition to the function of supporting the substrate7. A hollow space of the support member 3 may be utilized for storing acircuit component for controlling and driving the LED source portion 2.

The case 4 is in the form of a tube (a cylindrical tube, for example)extending in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 7, and diffusesand transmits light emitted by the LED source portion 2. The case 4 maybe made of a resin material (an extruded product, for example) such aspolycarbonate. The LED source portion 2 and the support member 3 arestored in a space in the case 4. The case 4 is formed to be longer thanthe substrate 7, and generally equivalent in length to the supportmember 3.

The pair of caps 5 are coupled to both ends of the support member 3respectively, to hold the case 4 therebetween. The bases 6 are coupledto outer sides of the caps 5. Each base 6 has a pair of terminals 6 aand 6 b, and is formed to be mechanically and electrically connectableto a socket of the lighting fixture. Connectors 15 to which the motionhuman sensor module 11 is detachably mountable are mounted on the pairof caps 5 respectively. In other words, the connectors 15 are mounted onthe case 4 through the caps 5. The motion sensor module 11 can bemounted on the case 4 through either connector 15 and either cap 5.

Openings 16 corresponding to the connectors 15 are formed on lower sides(positions opposed to an illuminated region) of both end portions of thecase 4. The motion sensor module 11 is coupled to either connector 15through the corresponding opening 16, to be electrically connected tothe connector 15. In practical usage of the LED lamp 1, either one ofthe pair of connectors 15 is employed for connecting the motion sensormodule 11. In other words, the motion sensor module 11 is connected toeither one of the connectors 15. A connector cap 17 conforming to theopening 16 and couplable to the connector 15 may be mounted on theunused connector 15.

The motion sensor module 11 has a sensor body 20 formed by apyroelectric infrared sensor, for example, a module case 21 holding thesensor body 20, and terminal pins 22 drawn out of the module case 21.The module case 21 has an outer shape conforming to each opening 16 ofthe case 4, and the terminal pins 22 are arranged to conform to thepositions of connecting terminals of each connector 15. The sensor body20 has a conical sensitivity region 24 centering on a sensitivity axis23, as illustratively shown in FIG. 4. The sensitivity region 24 formsan isosceles triangle in a cutting plane including the sensitivity axis23, and the apical angle of the isosceles triangle is about 80°. Themotion sensor module 11 functions as a motion sensor detecting humanentrance/exit into/from the sensitivity region 24.

The illuminance sensor module 12 and the temperature sensor module 13are mounted on a first end portion of the case 4, for example. Thesensor modules 12 and 13 may also be rendered detachably mountable oneither end portion of the case 4, similarly to the motion sensor module11. The illuminance sensor module 12 detects ambient illuminance of theLED lamp 1. The temperature sensor module 13 is a noncontact temperaturesensor including a thermopile, for example, and detecting the bodytemperature of a human being positioned in the vicinity of the LED lamp1. In other words, the temperature sensor module 13 can sense a humanbeing standing still in the vicinity of the LED lamp 1, while the motionsensor module 11 detects human entrance/exit into/from the sensitivityregion 24.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a structural example of the LEDmodule 8. The LED module 8 includes an LED chip 27, sealing rein 28,leads 29A and 29B, and a reflector 30. The LED module 8 is about 4.0 mmin width, about 2.0 mm in length and about 0.6 mm in thickness, forexample, and formed to be small-sized and thin.

The leads 29A and 29B are platelike members made of a Cu—Ni alloy, forexample, and employed as mounting terminals for surface-mounting the LEDmodule 8. The reflector 30 is made of white resin, for example.

The LED chip 27 serves as the light source for the LED module 8, andemits visible light, for example. The LED chip 27 is loaded on the lead29B through silver paste, for example, to be electrically connectedthereto. Further, the LED chip 27 is electrically connected to the lead29A through a wire 31. When current is supplied to the LED chip 27through the leads 29A and 29B, the LED chip 27 emits light.

The sealing resin 28 for protecting the LED chip 27 is made of epoxyresin having translucency with respect to the light emitted by the LEDchip 27, for example. A fluorescent material (a wavelength conversionmaterial) excited by the light (blue light, for example) emitted by theLED chip 27 to emit light (yellow light, for example) of a differentwavelength may be mixed into the sealing resin 28, for example. When theblue light from the LED chip 27 and the yellow light from thefluorescent material contained in the sealing resin 22 are mixed witheach other, for example, the LED module 8 can emit white light.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are illustrative front elevational views forillustrating a sensing area of the motion sensor module 11, showing astate where the LED lamp 1 is mounted on a lighting fixture 40. Thelighting fixture 40 has a pair of sockets 41 and 42 holding the pair ofbases 6 of the LED lamp 1 respectively. The socket 41 has functions ofmechanically holding the corresponding base 6 and supplying power to theLED lamp 1 from the terminals 6 a and 6 b. The other socket 42 has nopower supply function for the LED lamp 1, but dedicatedly has a functionof mechanically holding the corresponding base 6. Only one of the pairof bases 6 of the LED lamp 1 is formed to receive external power andsupply the same to an internal electrical circuit thereof, while theother base 6 is provided for mechanically mounting the LED lamp 1 on thelighting fixture 40 and has no function of supplying power to aninternal electrical circuit thereof. When mounted on the lightingfixture 40 so that the base 6 having the power supply function isconnected to one of the sockets 41 of the lighting fixture 40,therefore, the LED lamp 1 enters the state shown in either FIG. 6A orFIG. 6B. In other words, the arrangement of the motion sensor module 11is reversed in relation to the longitudinal direction of the LED lamp 1(identical to the longitudinal direction of the substrate 7), dependingon the mounting direction of the lighting fixture 40. The problem ofsuch reversed arrangement can be solved by remounting the motion sensormodule 11 from one of the connectors 15 to the other connector 15, as amatter of course.

The LED source portion 2 of the LED lamp 1 has an illuminational region36 spreading around the illumination axis 35 passing through the center9 a of the light-emitting area 9. The illumination axis 35 extends alongthe normal direction of the substrate 7, and is orthogonal to thelongitudinal direction of the case 4 (identical to the longitudinaldirection of the substrate 7). The illuminational region 36 spreads asseparating from the LED lamp 1, and an illuminated region 37 is set in aprescribed distance range (about 0.5 m to 3 m, for example) separatingfrom the LED lamp 1 along the illumination axis 35. According to thefirst embodiment, the motion sensor module 11 is so mounted on the case4 that the sensitivity axis 23 thereof is unparallel to the illuminationaxis 35. More specifically, the sensitivity axis 23 is inclined in adirection approaching the illumination axis 35 from a longitudinal endportion of the case 4. The sensitivity axis 23 and the illumination axis35 intersect with each other in the illuminated region 37. Each of FIGS.6A and 6B shows a virtual sensitivity region 24 i in a case of arrangingthe motion sensor module 11 at the center 9 a of the light-emitting area9 so that the illumination axis 35 and the sensitivity axis 23 conformto each other in two-dot chain lines. A sensitivity axis 23 i (generallyconforming to the illumination axis 35) of the virtual sensitivityregion 24 i and the sensitivity axis 23 of the actual sensitivity region24 intersect with each other in the illuminated region 37. In otherwords, the centers of the actual sensitivity region 24 and the virtualsensitivity region 24 i conform to each other on a position (a positionin the illuminated region 37) separating from the LED source portion 2by a prescribed distance.

If the motion sensor module 11 is arranged at the center 9 a of thelight-emitting area 9, the LED lamp 1 has a dark portion at thelongitudinal center in a lighting-up state, leading to an unspectacularappearance and bad influence on light distribution. According to thefirst embodiment, therefore, the motion sensor module 11 is arranged ona longitudinal end portion of the LED lamp 1, thereby improving theappearance and the light distribution in the lighting-up state. If thesensitivity axis 23 is parallelized to the illumination axis 35, on theother hand, the illuminated region 37 deviates from the sensitivityregion 24 of the motion sensor module 11, and sensing timing isdispersed depending on from which direction a human being enters aperipheral region of the illuminated region 37. According to the firstembodiment, therefore, the motion sensor module 11 is mounted on thecase 4 while inclining the sensitivity axis 23 so that the illuminationaxis 35 and the sensitivity axis 23 intersect with each other in theilluminated region 37. Thus, the motion sensor module 11 can excellentlydetect human entrance into the peripheral region of the illuminatedregion 37 while suppressing dispersion in timing.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for illustrating the electrical structure ofthe LED lamp 1. The LED lamp 1 has a microcomputer 50 as a controllerand an LED driver 51 controlled by the microcomputer 50. An AC-DCconverter 52 converts AC power (100 V, for example) from the terminals 6a and 6 b of the power-supplying base 6 to DC power (5 V, for example)and supplies the same to the microcomputer 50 etc. The microcomputer 50,the motion sensor module 11, the illuminance sensor module 12 and thetemperature sensor module 13 operate by receiving the power. Outputsignals of the sensor modules 11, 12 and 13 are input in themicrocomputer 50. On the other hand, the AC power from the terminals 6 aand 6 b of the base 6 is supplied to the LED driver 51 through a relay53.

The LED driver 51 supplies the power to the LED source portion 2, anddrives the LED module 8 (more specifically, the LED chip 27) provided onthe LED source portion 2. More specifically, the LED driver 51 has anAC-DC converter 55 and a driving circuit 56. The AC-DC converter 55converts the AC power (100 V, for example) supplied from the terminals 6a and 6 b of the base 6 to DC power (27 V, for example). The drivingcircuit 56 includes a switching element on-off controlling the supply ofthe DC power generated by the AC-DC converter 55 to the LED sourceportion 2. The LED driver 51 has a PWM (pulse width modulation) inputterminal 54 accepting input of a PWM control signal. The PWM inputterminal 54 receives the PWM control signal from the microcomputer 50.The driver circuit 56 is formed to turn on/off the LED source portion 2in response to the PWM control signal input in the PWM input terminal54. Therefore, it follows that the LED source portion 2 is driven withpower responsive to the duty ratio of the PWM control signal.

A relay driver 58 on-off drives the relay 53. The relay driver 58receives an on-off control signal from the microcomputer 50. The relaydriver 58 on-off controls the relay 53 in response to the on-off controlsignal. Thus, the LED source portion 2 can be turned on/off.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing examples of control contents ofprocessing repeated by the microcomputer 50 every prescribed controlcycle. When a power switch 43 (see FIG. 7) of the lighting fixture 40 isturned on and power is supplied (at a step S1), the microcomputer 50initializes the motion sensor module 11, the illuminance sensor module12 and the temperature sensor module 13 (at a step S2). When power isnot yet supplied, the relay 53 is kept in an OFF-state. Immediatelyafter the power supply, the microcomputer 50 keeps the relay 53 in theOFF-state and puts the LED source portion 2 on standby in a lighting-outstate (at a step S3). In this state, the microcomputer 50 incorporatesthe output signal of the illuminance sensor module 12 (at a step S4).The LED source portion 2 is in the lighting-out state, and hence theoutput signal of the illuminance sensor module 12 expresses illuminanceAi of ambient light. The microcomputer 50 compares the ambient lightilluminance Ai detected by the illuminance sensor module 12 with aprescribed standby running threshold SBth (at a step S5). When theambient light illuminance Ai is in excess of the standby runningthreshold SBth (NO at the step S5), the microcomputer 50 continuouslykeeps the relay 53 in the OFF-state and puts the LED source portion 2 onstandby in the lighting-out state (at the step S3).

When the ambient light illuminance Ai falls below the standby runningthreshold SBth (YES at the step S5), i.e. when the ambience getssufficiently dark, the microcomputer 50 turns on the relay 53 and startscontrolling the LED lamp 1 in a standby running mode (at a step S6). Thestandby running mode denotes a running mode of driving the LED sourceportion 2 with power (about 10% to 30%, for example) of less than 100%assuming that power of 100% is supplied to the LED source portion 2 in atotal lighting-up state, and can be rephrased as a night-lamp mode. Morespecifically, the microcomputer 50 supplies a PWM control signal havinga duty ratio (10% to 30%, for example) of less than 100% to the LEDdriver 51.

Further, the microcomputer 50 determines the presence or absence of ahuman motion in the sensitivity region 24 (see FIG. 6A or 6B) on thebasis of the output signal received from the motion sensor module 11 (ata step S7). When no human motion is detected (NO at the step S7), themicrocomputer 50 continues the standby running mode (at the step S6). Ifa human motion is detected (YES at the step S7), on the other hand, themicrocomputer 50 totally turns on the LED source portion 2 (at a stepS8). More specifically, the microcomputer 50 supplies a PWM controlsignal (a continuous running signal) having a duty ratio of 100% to theLED driver 51.

Then, the microcomputer 50 incorporates the output signal of thetemperature sensor module 13 (at a step S9), and detects the temperatureof an object present in a temperature sensing region of the temperaturesensor module 13. In general, the temperature sensing region is narrowerthan the sensitivity region 24 of the motion sensor module 11. On thebasis of the output signal of the temperature sensor module 13, themicrocomputer 50 determines whether or not a stationary human being ispresent in the vicinity of the LED lamp 1 (at a step S10). Thestationary human being denotes a human being not in a motion sensable bythe motion sensor module 11, and he/she may not necessarily becompletely stationary. When the temperature sensor module 13 has sensedan object at a temperature of not less than a prescribed level (35° C.,for example), the microcomputer 50 determines that a stationary humanbeing is present in the vicinity of the LED lamp 1. When the motionsensor module 11 senses a stationary human being (YES at the step S10),the microcomputer 50 keeps the LED source portion 2 in the totallighting-up state (at the step S8).

When the motion sensor module 11 senses no stationary human being (NO atthe step S10), on the other hand, the microcomputer 50 resets aninternal timer, and makes the timer start counting (at a step S11). Themicrocomputer 50 further refers to the output signal of the motionsensor module 11, and returns to the step S8 when the motion sensormodule 11 has sensed a human motion (YES at a step S12), to keep the LEDsource portion 2 in the total lighting-upstate. When the motion sensormodule 11 has sensed no human motion (NO at the step S12), on the otherhand, the microcomputer 50 keeps the timer in the counting state (at astep S13). The count of the timer shows the elapsed time from thestarting of the timer (sensing no stationary human body). Themicrocomputer 50 determines whether or not the elapsed time has reacheda prescribed standby threshold (30 seconds, for example) (at a stepS14). When the elapsed time does not reach the standby threshold (NO atthe step S14), the microcomputer 50 repeats the processing from the stepS12. When the elapsed time reaches the standby threshold (YES at thestep S14), on the other hand, the microcomputer 50 returns to the stepS3, and turns off the relay and the LED source portion 2. Alternatively,the microcomputer 50 may return to the step S6 to bring the LED sourceportion 2 into a standby running state.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for illustrating a control operation of themicrocomputer 50 in the standby running mode (at the step S6 in FIG. 8).The microcomputer 50 incorporates the output signal of the illuminancesensor module 12 (at a step S21).

In the standby running mode, the illuminance sensor module 12 detectsnot only the ambient light but also light emitted by the LED sourceportion 2 turned on in the standby running state. In other words, theambient light illuminance Ai and spontaneous light illuminance Sicontributed by the light emitted from the LED source portion 2 aresuperposed in the output signal of the illuminance sensor module 12.Therefore, the microcomputer 50 obtains the spontaneous lightilluminance Si on the basis of the driven state of the LED sourceportion 2 (a spontaneous light illuminance operation means at a stepS22). More specifically, the microcomputer 50 obtains the spontaneouslight illuminance Si on the basis of the duty ratio of the PWM controlsignal supplied to the LED driver 51.

Then, the microcomputer 50 determines whether or not the ambient lightilluminance Ai obtained by subtracting the spontaneous light illuminanceSi from the output signal of the illuminance sensor module 12 is lessthan or equal to the standby running threshold SBth (at a step S23). Themicrocomputer 50 may make the determination by determining whether ornot illuminance Di (=Si+Ai) detected by the illuminance sensor module 12is less than or equal to a value (Si+SBth) obtained by adding thespontaneous light illuminance Si to the standby running threshold SBth,i.e., whether or not Di≦Si+SBth. The microcomputer 50 may obtain theambient light illuminance Ai (=Di−Si) by subtracting the spontaneouslight illuminance Si from the illuminance Di detected by the illuminancesensor module 12 to determine whether or not the ambient lightilluminance Ai is less than or equal to the standby running thresholdSBth, i.e., whether or not Di−Si≦SBth, as a matter of course.

When the ambient light illuminance Ai is less than or equal to thestandby running threshold value SBth (YES at the step S23), themicrocomputer 50 sets a duty ratio responsive to the ambient lightilluminance Ai (=Di−Si) (at a step S24), and supplies a PWM controlsignal having the duty ratio to the LED driver 51 (at a step S25). Thus,it follows that the microcomputer 50 drives the LED source portion 2with power responsive to the duty ratio, i.e., power responsive to theambient brightness. Thereafter the microcomputer 50 returns to the stepS21.

When the ambient light illuminance Ai is in excess of the standbyrunning threshold value SBth (NO at the step S23), on the other hand,the microcomputer 50 terminates the standby running mode, and brings theLED source portion 2 into a suspend standby state (at the step S3 inFIG. 8). In other words, the microcomputer 50 turns off the relay 53 andthe LED source portion 2.

In the processing at the steps S23 to S25 and S3, the microcomputer 50functions as an on-off control means. In the processing at the steps S24and S25, the microcomputer 50 functions as the illuminance-adaptivedriving means. In other words, the microcomputer 50 is programmed todrive the LED source portion 2 in response to the ambient lightilluminance.

According to the first embodiment, as hereinabove described, the LEDlamp 1 includes the illuminance sensor module 12. Also when the lightingfixture 40 includes no illuminance sensor, therefore, the driven stateof the LED source portion 2 can be varied with the ambient illuminance.The illumination axis 35 and the sensitivity axis 23 of the motionsensor module 11 are unparallel to each other, and the motion sensormodule 11 is arranged on the longitudinal end portion of the case 4 toimprove the appearance of the LED lamp 1 in the lighting-up state whilethe sensitivity axis 23 is so set that the motion sensor module 11 canexcellently sense a human being entering the periphery of theilluminated region 37. Thus, an LED lamp compatibly attaining anexcellent appearance in a lighting-up state and an excellent humansensing function can be provided.

According to the first embodiment, further, the motion sensor module 11can be attached to/detached from the corresponding connector 15 providedon the LED lamp 1, whereby a human sensing function can be arbitrarilyadded to the LED lamp 1. In other words, the LED lamp 1 designed to beapplicable to a specification with no human sensing function and thatwith a human sensing function in common can be provided. In addition,the motion sensor module 11 having a proper structure can be selectedand used in response to the type or the arrangement of the lightingfixture 40. Further, the connectors 15 are provided on both longitudinalend portions of the case 4 respectively, whereby the motion sensormodule 11 can be arranged on either end portion of the case 4.Therefore, the arrangement of the motion sensor module 11 can bearbitrarily selected in response to individual circumstances such as thearrangement of the lighting fixture 40.

On the other hand, the LED lamp 1 stores the illuminance sensor module12, which may detect not only the ambient light illuminance Ai but alsothe spontaneous light illuminance Si when the LED source portion 2 is inthe lighting-up state. According to the first embodiment, therefore, themicrocomputer 50 properly processes the output signal of the illuminancesensor module 12 by eliminating influence by the spontaneous lightilluminance Si, to control the LED source portion 2 in response to theambient light illuminance Ai. Thus, the LED lamp 1 having the LED sourceportion 2 properly controllable in response to the ambient brightnesscan be provided. Further, the influence by the spontaneous lightilluminance Si can be so eliminated that the illuminance sensor module12 can be freely arranged to some extent, whereby the LED lamp 1 is easyto design.

According to the first embodiment, the microcomputer 50 calculates thespontaneous light illuminance Si on the basis of the driven state of theLED source portion 2 (more specifically, the duty ratio of the PWMcontrol signal). Thus, the microcomputer 50 can correctly estimate theratio of the contribution of the spontaneous light illuminance Si to theilluminance Di detected by the illuminance sensor module 12.Consequently, the microcomputer 50 can properly evaluate the ambientlight illuminance Ai, thereby more properly driving the LED sourceportion 2 in response to the ambient brightness. Particularly accordingto the first embodiment, the microcomputer 50 sets the duty ratioresponsive to the ambient light illuminance Ai in the standby runningmode, whereby the same can reduce the driving power for the LED sourceportion 2 by reducing the duty ratio as the ambient light illuminance Aiis increased. Thus, the microcomputer 50 can bring the LED sourceportion 2 into a proper light-emitting state responsive to the ambientbrightness, and can also contribute to energy saving.

According to the first embodiment, the LED lamp 1 includes the motionsensor module 11, whereby the microcomputer 50 can drive the LED sourceportion 2 in response to the presence or absence of a human entranceinto the sensitivity region 24 thereof. More specifically, the drivingpower for the LED source portion 2 is increased to increase the quantityof the light emitted by the LED source portion 2 when the motion sensormodule 11 detects a human motion. Thus, the LED source portion 2 emits anecessary quantity of light only when required, whereby an energy savingproperty can be improved. Further, the LED lamp 1 stores the motionsensor module 11, whereby an illuminator having a human sensing functioncan be provided also when the lighting fixture 40 includes no motionsensor.

According to the first embodiment, the LED lamp 1 includes thetemperature sensor module 13 detecting the temperature of an objectpresent in the temperature sensing region in the vicinity thereof in anoncontact manner, and can sense a stationary human body unsensable bythe motion sensor module 11 with the temperature sensor module 13.Further, the microcomputer 50 controls the LED source portion 2 inresponse to the output signal received from the temperature sensormodule 13, whereby the LED source portion 2 is neither turned off norshifted to the standby running state when a stationary human being ispresent in the temperature sensing region. In addition, the LED lamp 1stores the temperature sensor module 13, whereby an illuminator having astationary human body sensing function can be provided also when thelighting fixture 40 includes no temperature sensor.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for illustrating the electrical structure ofan LED lamp 101 according to a second embodiment of the first structuralexample of the present invention. The LED lamp 101 according to thesecond embodiment is generally similar in structure to theaforementioned LED lamp 1 according to the first embodiment, and hencethe second embodiment is described also with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6Bas necessary. Referring to FIG. 10, portions corresponding to thoseshown in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference signs.

The LED lamp 101 according to the second embodiment includes a modesetting switch 60, a reset switch 61, and a memory 62. The LED lamp 101according to the second embodiment includes no temperature sensor module13.

The mode setting switch 60 and the reset switch 61 may be arranged in acase 4 or either cap 5 of the LED lamp 101. FIG. 1 shows the modesetting switch 60 and the reset switch 61 arranged in the case 4 withtwo-dot chain lines.

The mode setting switch 60 is operated by an operator in order to set anoperation mode of the LED lamp 101 either to a normal mode or anight-lamp mode. In the normal mode, an LED source portion 2 enters atotal lighting-up state when a motion sensor module 11 senses a humanbeing, and enters a lighting-out state when the motion sensor module 11senses no human being for not less than a constant time. In thenight-lamp mode, the LED source portion 2 enters the total lighting-upstate when the motion sensor module 11 senses a human being, and entersa standby running state when the motion sensor module 11 senses no humanbeing for not less than the constant time. According to the secondembodiment, the LED source portion 2 is driven with constant power (apredetermined constant duty ratio of less than 100%, e.g. about 30%)regardless of ambient light illuminance in the standby running state.According to the second embodiment, further, the LED source portion 2enters a lighting-out state when the ambient light illuminance exceeds aprescribed standby running threshold in the night-lamp mode.

The memory 62 is a storage means for storing spontaneous lightilluminance in the standby running state. The memory 62 is preferablyconstituted of a rewritable nonvolatile memory capable of holding astorage value also when supplied with no power.

The reset switch 61 is operated by the operator for updating the storagevalue of the memory 62.

FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are flow charts for illustrating an example of acontrol operation of processing repeated by a microcomputer 50 everyprescribed control cycle. When a power switch 43 (see FIG. 10) of alighting fixture 40 is turned on and power is supplied (at a step S31),the microcomputer 50 initializes the motion sensor module 11 and anilluminance sensor module 12 (at a step S32). When power is not yetsupplied, a relay 53 is kept in an OFF-state. Immediately after thepower supply, the microcomputer 50 keeps the relay 53 in the OFF-stateand puts the LED source portion 2 on standby in a lighting-out state (ata step S33). In this state, the microcomputer 50 determines theoperation mode set with the mode setting switch 60 (at a step S34).

When the normal mode is set, the microcomputer 50 determines thepresence or absence of a human motion in a sensitivity region 24 (seeFIG. 6A or 6B) on the basis of an output signal received from the motionsensor module 11 (at a step S35). When no human motion is detected (NOat the step S35), the microcomputer 50 returns to the step S33, andkeeps the LED source portion 2 in the lighting-out state. When a humanmotion is detected (YES at the step S35), on the other hand, themicrocomputer 50 totally turns on the LED source portion 2 (at a stepS36). More specifically, the microcomputer 50 brings the relay 53 intoan ON-state, and supplies a PWM control signal (a continuous runningsignal) having a duty ratio of 100% to an LED driver 51.

Further, the microcomputer 50 resets an internal timer, and makes thetimer start counting (at a step S37). Then, the microcomputer 50 refersto the output signal of the motion sensor module 11, and returns to thestep S36 and keeps the LED source portion 2 in the total lighting-upstate when the motion sensor module 11 has sensed a human motion (YES atthe step S38). When the motion sensor module 11 has sensed no humanmotion (NO at the step S38), on the other hand, the microcomputer 50keeps the timer in the counting state (at a step S39). The count of thetimer shows the elapsed time from the starting of the timer (sensing nohuman motion). The microcomputer 50 determines whether or not theelapsed time has reached a prescribed standby threshold (30 seconds, forexample) (at a step S40). When the elapsed time does not reach thestandby threshold (NO at the step S40), the microcomputer 50 repeats theprocessing from the step S38. When the elapsed time reaches the standbythreshold (YES at the step S40), on the other hand, the microcomputer 50returns to the step S33, and turns off the relay 53 and the LED sourceportion 2.

When determining that the operation mode is the night-lamp mode (at thestep S34), the microcomputer 50 determines whether or not the LED sourceportion 2 is initially turned on in the night-lamp mode, i.e., whetheror not the LED source portion 2 is turned on in the night-lamp mode forthe first time (at a step S41). When determining that the LED sourceportion 2 is initially turned on in the night-lamp mode (YES at the stepS41), the microcomputer 50 turns on the relay 53, and brings the LEDsource portion 2 into a standby running state (at a step S42). In otherwords, the microcomputer 50 sets a predetermined standby running dutyratio (about 30%, for example), and supplies a PWM control signal havingthe duty ratio to the LED driver 51. Thus, the LED source portion 2enters the standby running state. In this state, the microcomputer 50incorporates the output signal of the illuminance sensor module 12, andwrites the same in the memory 62 as spontaneous light illuminance Si (awriting means at a step S43). The output signal of the illuminancesensor module 12 corresponds to the spontaneous light illuminance Siwhen ambient light illuminance Ai is zero. Therefore, an instructionindicating that the LED source portion 2 must be initially turned on inthe night-lamp mode in an environment with no external light isdescribed in an instruction manual or the like of the LED lamp 101. Theoperator can write spontaneous light illuminance Si not influenced byexternal light in the memory 62 by initially turning on the LED sourceportion 2 in the night-lamp mode according to the instruction.

The determination as to whether or not the LED source portion 2 isinitially turned on in the night-lamp mode (at the step S41) can berephrased as a determination as to whether or not the spontaneous lightilluminance Si has already been written in the memory 62.

When determining that the LED source portion 2 is not initially turnedon in the night-lamp mode (NO at the step S41), the microcomputer 50determines whether or not the LED source portion 2 is turned on afterthe reset switch 61 is operated (at a step S44). When the LED sourceportion 2 is turned on after the reset switch 61 is operated, themicrocomputer 50 performs the processing from the step S42, and writesthe spontaneous light illuminance Si in the memory 62 (at the step S43).In other words, the microcomputer 50 updates the storage value in thememory 62. When incapable of initially turning on the LED source portion2 in the night-lamp mode in an environment with no external light, theoperator can correct the spontaneous light illuminance Si by turning onthe LED source portion 2 in the night-lamp mode after he/she hasoperated the reset switch 61. This may also be described in theinstruction manual of the LED lamp 101.

Thus, the microcomputer 50 is inhibited from writing the spontaneouslight illuminance Si in the memory 62 after setting the night-lamp modeand supplying power when the spontaneous light illuminance Si hasalready been written in the memory 62, and allowed to write thespontaneous light illuminance Si in the memory 62 when the spontaneouslight illuminance Si is not yet written in the memory 62. When thespontaneous light illuminance Si has already been written in the memory62 and hence the microcomputer 50 is inhibited from writing thespontaneous light illuminance Si in the memory 62, on the other hand,the operator can cancel the inhibition by operating the reset switch 62.In other words, the reset switch 62 serves as an inhibition cancelingoperation means. When the operator operates the reset switch 62, themicrocomputer 50 is allowed to write the spontaneous light illuminanceSi in the memory 62 once.

After writing the spontaneous light illuminance Si in the memory 62 (atthe step S43) or the operator has not operated the reset switch 61 in alighting-up state after a second night-lamp mode (NO at the step S44),the microcomputer 50 incorporates the output signal of the illuminancesensor module 12. In the standby running state, the illuminance sensormodule 12 detects not only the ambient light, but also light emitted bythe LED source portion 2 turned on in the standby running state. Inother words, the ambient light illuminance Ai and spontaneous lightilluminance Si contributed by the light emitted from the LED sourceportion 2 are superposed in the output signal of the illuminance sensormodule 12. Therefore, the microcomputer 50 determines whether or not theambient light illuminance Ai obtained by subtracting the spontaneouslight illuminance Si (stored in the memory 62) from the output signal ofthe illuminance sensor module 12 is less than or equal to a standbyrunning threshold SBth (a comparison means at a step S45). Themicrocomputer 50 may make the determination by determining whether ornot illuminance Di (=Si+Ai) detected by the illuminance sensor module 12is less than or equal to a value (Si+SBth) obtained by adding thespontaneous light illuminance Si (stored in the memory 62) to thestandby running threshold SBth, i.e., whether or not Di≦Si+SBth. Themicrocomputer 50 may obtain the ambient light illuminance Ai (=Di−Si) bysubtracting the spontaneous light illuminance Si (stored in the memory62) from the illuminance Di detected by the illuminance sensor module 12to determine whether or not the ambient light illuminance Ai is lessthan or equal to the standby running threshold SBth, i.e., whether ornot Di−Si≦SBth, as a matter of course.

When the ambient light illuminance Ai is less than or equal to thestandby running threshold SBth (YES at the step S45), the microcomputer50 sets a prescribed standby running duty ratio (about 30%, forexample), and supplies a PWM control signal having the duty ratio to theLED driver 51 (at a step S46). Thus, it follows that the microcomputer50 drives the LED source portion 2 with power responsive to the dutyratio, and brings the LED source portion 2 into a standby running state.

When the ambient light illuminance Ai is in excess of the standbyrunning threshold SBth (NO at the step S45), on the other hand, themicrocomputer 50 brings the LED source portion 2 into a suspend standbystate (at the step S33). In other words, the microcomputer 50 turns offthe relay 53 and the LED source portion 2.

When the LED source portion 2 is in a lighting-out state, theilluminance sensor module 12 detects only the ambient light illuminanceAi (i.e., Di=Ai). In other words, the spontaneous light illuminance Siis zero. While the determination at the step S45 (the determination withthe spontaneous light illuminance Si (>0) stored in the memory 62) maybe applied as such also at this time, the microcomputer 50 may regardthe spontaneous light illuminance Si as zero without employing thespontaneous light illuminance Si stored in the memory 62, to compare thedetected illuminance Di and the standby running threshold SBth with eachother as such.

When the LED source portion 2 enters the standby running state (at thestep S46), the microcomputer 50 determines the presence or absence of ahuman motion in the sensitivity region 24 (see FIG. 6A or 6B) on thebasis of the output signal received from the motion sensor module 11 (ata step S47). When the motion sensor module 11 detects no human motion(NO at the step S47), the microcomputer 50 repeats the processing fromthe step S45. When the motion sensor module 11 detects a human motion(YES at the step S47), on the other hand, the microcomputer 50 totallyturns on the LED source portion 2 (at a step S48). More specifically,the microcomputer 50 supplies a PWM control signal (a continuous runningsignal) having a duty ratio of 100% to the LED driver 51.

Then, the microcomputer 50 resets an internal timer, and makes the timerstart counting (at a step S49). The microcomputer 50 further refers tothe output signal of the motion sensor module 11, and returns to thestep S48 when the motion sensor module 11 has sensed a human motion (YESat a step S50), to keep the LED source portion 2 in the totallighting-up state. When the motion sensor module 11 senses no humanmotion (NO at the step S50), on the other hand, the microcomputer 50keeps the timer in the counting state (at a step S51). The count of thetimer shows the elapsed time from the starting of the timer (sensing nohuman motion). The microcomputer 50 determines whether or not theelapsed time has reached a prescribed standby threshold (30 seconds, forexample) (at a step S52). When the elapsed time has not yet reached thestandby threshold (NO at the step S52), the microcomputer 50 repeats theprocessing from the step S50. When the elapsed time reaches the standbythreshold (YES at the step S52), the microcomputer 50 returns to thestep S45 to determine the ambient light illuminance Ai, and brings theLED source portion 2 into a standby running state when the ambient lightilluminance Ai is less than or equal to the standby running thresholdSBth (at the step S46).

At the steps S46 and S33, the microcomputer 50 functions as an on-offcontrol means. In other words, the microcomputer 50 is programmed toon-off control the LED source portion 2 in response to the results ofsensing of the motion sensor module 11 and the illuminance sensor module12.

The mode setting switch 60 is a running instruction means instructingrunning in the night-lamp mode or the normal mode. When power issupplied in a state where the night-lamp mode is set with the modesetting switch 60, the microcomputer 50 writes the output signal of theilluminance sensor module 12 in the memory 62 as the spontaneous lightilluminance Si, and hence the mode setting switch 60 functions as awriting instruction means for writing the spontaneous light illuminanceSi.

According to the second embodiment, as hereinabove described, themicrocomputer 50 can easily write the spontaneous light illuminance Siin the memory 62 by initially turning on the LED source portion 2 in thenight-lamp mode in an environment with no external light. Themicrocomputer 50 can properly evaluate the ambient light illuminance Aibased on the output signal (the detected illuminance Di) of theilluminance sensor module 12 by employing the spontaneous lightilluminance Si written in the memory 62. Further, the microcomputer 50can also rewrite the value stored in the memory 62 by turning on the LEDlamp 1 in the night-lamp mode after the operator operates the resetswitch 61. Also when initially turning on the LED source portion 2 inthe night-lamp mode in an environment with external light, therefore,the microcomputer 50 can write correct spontaneous light illuminance Siin the memory 62 by a subsequent operation.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for illustrating a third embodiment of the firststructural example of the present invention, showing an operation in astandby running mode applicable in place of the aforementioned standbyrunning mode shown in FIG. 9. In the following description of the thirdembodiment, FIGS. 1 to 8 are also referred to.

In the standby running mode (at the step S6 in FIG. 8), a microcomputer50 samples an output signal of an illuminance sensor module 12 (at astep S61). In the standby running mode, the illuminance sensor module 12detects not only ambient light, but also light emitted by an LED sourceportion 2 turned on in a standby running state. In the standby runningstate, however, the LED source portion 2 is turned on in an ON-period ofa PWM cycle, and turned of in an OFF-period. Therefore, themicrocomputer 50 samples the output signal of the illuminance sensormodule 12 in the OFF-period of the PWM cycle (a sampling means at thestep S61). The microcomputer 50 can employ the sampled output signal ofthe illuminance sensor module 12 as ambient light illuminance Ai.

Then, the microcomputer 50 determines whether or not the ambient lightilluminance Ai (the value sampled at the step S61) is less than or equalto a standby running threshold SBth (at a step S62). When the ambientlight illuminance Ai is less than or equal to the standby runningthreshold SBth (YES at the step S62), the microcomputer 50 sets a dutyratio responsive to the ambient light illuminance Ai (a duty ratiosetting means at a step S63), and supplies a PWM control signal havingthe duty ratio to an LED driver 51 (a PWM control means at a step S64).Thus, it follows that the microcomputer 50 drives the LED source portion2 with power responsive to the duty ratio, i.e., power responsive toambient brightness.

When the ambient light illuminance Ai is in excess of the standbyrunning threshold SBth, on the other hand, the microcomputer 50terminates the standby running mode, and brings the LED source portion 2into a suspend standby state (at the step S3 in FIG. 8). In other words,the microcomputer 50 turns off a relay 53 and the LED source portion 2.

The microcomputer 50 may not necessarily variably set the duty ratio ofthe PWM control signal in response to the ambient light illuminance Ai,but may fix the duty ratio in the standby running state to a constantvalue (about 30%, for example). In this case, the processing at the stepS63 may be omitted, and the microcomputer 50 may generate a PWM controlsignal of the constant duty ratio at the step S64.

FIG. 13 is an illustrative timing chart for illustrating timing forsampling the output signal of the illuminance sensor module 12 in thestandby running mode. The microcomputer 50 generates a PWM controlsignal having a constant PWM frequency. When the PWM frequency is 1 kHz,for example, a PWM cycle is 1 millisecond. The microcomputer 50 sets theduty ratio to less than 100% in the standby running state, and hence thePWM cycle includes an ON-period and an OFF-period. The LED driver 51energizes the LED source portion 2 in the ON-period, and cuts off powersupply to the LED source portion 2 in the OFF-period. The microcomputer50 samples the output signal of the illuminance sensor module 12 attiming in the OFF-period (preferably around the center of the period) ofthe PWM cycle. The time required for the sampling is on the order ofmicroseconds, and hence the microcomputer 50 can complete the samplingin the OFF-period of the PWM cycle. When the PWM frequency is set to notless than 200 Hz, the LED source portion 2 appears to human eyes tocontinuously emit light. Therefore, the microcomputer 50 can detect theambient light illuminance Ai by eliminating influence by spontaneouslight illuminance Si while keeping the standby running mode in anapparent continuous lighting-up state.

Thus, according to the third embodiment, the microcomputer 50 samplesthe output signal of the illuminance sensor module 12 in the OFF-periodof the PWM cycle, whereby the same can detect correct ambient lightilluminance Ai by eliminating influence by the spontaneous lightilluminance Si. Further, the microcomputer 50 can properly control theLED source portion 2 in response to the ambient brightness by employingthe correct ambient light illuminance Ai.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view for illustrating the structure of an LEDlamp 102 according to a fourth embodiment of the first structuralexample of the present invention. The LED lamp 102 has a structuresimilar to that a straight fluorescent lamp similar to theaforementioned LED lamps 1 and 101, and is mounted on a recessedlighting fixture 70, for example. The lighting fixture 70 has a fixturebody 73 fitted into an opening 72 formed in a ceiling 71, for example.The fixture body 73 partitions a space 74 opened toward a lower portionof the ceiling 71. The LED lamp 102 is held in the space 74. The innersurface of the fixture body 73 functions as a reflecting surfacereflecting light received from the LED lamp 102 downward.

The LED lamp 102 is provided on a side portion of a case thereof with aconnector 75 electrically connected to a motion sensor module 80. Themotion sensor module 80 includes a sensor body 81, a lead wire 82extending from the sensor body 81, and a plug 83 fixed to an end portionof the lead wire 82. The plug 83 is formed to be couplable to theconnector 75, and electrically connects the lead wire 82 to theconnector 75.

According to this structure, the sensor body 81 can be arranged on aposition separating from the case of the LED lamp 102 outside the space74 partitioned by the fixture body 73 as shown in FIG. 14, for example.If the LED lamp 1 shown in FIG. 1 etc. is applied to the recessedlighting fixture 70 as such, the sensitivity region 24 of the motionsensor module 11 may interfere with the fixture body 73, to narrow ageneral sensitivity region. When the motion sensor module 80 shown inFIG. 14 is employed and the sensor body 81 is arranged downward beyondthe LED lamp 102, the whole of a sensitivity region of the sensor body81 can be employed. A proper sensitivity region can be set by renderinga sensitivity axis of the sensor body 81 unparallel to an illuminationaxis of the LED lamp 102. The direction of the sensitivity axis may beso set that a sensitivity region conforming to a region illuminated bythe LED lamp 102 is obtained, for example.

The sensor body 81, arranged outside the fixture body 73 in FIG. 14, mayalternatively be arranged in the fixture body 73 (in the space 74: on aninner wall surface of the fixture body 73, for example). The connector75 may not necessarily be arranged on the side portion of the LED lamp102, but may be arranged on a lower or upper portion. If the connector75 is arranged on the lower portion, however, the portion of theconnector 75 may be darkened to deteriorate the appearance of the LEDlamp 102, when the LED lamp 102 is turned on. If the connector 75 isarranged on the upper portion, it may be difficult to connect the plug83 in the state where the LED lamp 102 is mounted on the lightingfixture 70.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an LED lamp 103 according to afifth embodiment of the first structural example of the presentinvention. The LED lamp 103 is in the form of a bulb having a base 86couplable to a bulb socket 85 and a case 87. The case 87 integrallyincludes a cylindrical portion 88 and a dome portion 89 formed on a sideopposite to the base 86, and has a rotation-symmetrical shape. Asemispherically projecting protrusion 90 is formed around the center ofthe dome portion 89, to store a motion sensor 91.

A sensitivity axis 92 of the motion sensor 91 is inclined with respectto an illumination axis 95 which is a center axis of the LED lamp 103.The motion sensor 91 has a conical sensitivity region 93 centering onthe sensitivity axis 92.

The LED lamp 103 is mounted on the bulb socket 85 arranged on a cornerof a ceiling 97 of a room 96, for example. In this case, theillumination axis 95 is along the vertical direction, while thesensitivity axis 92 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction,and directed toward the center of the room 96, for example. Thus, thesensitivity region 93 spreads toward the center of the room 96, wherebythe motion sensor 91 can easily sense a human being entering the room96.

A connector capable of detachably mounting a motion sensor module may beprovided in the case 87 after the structure shown in FIG. 1 etc., sothat the motion sensor module storing the motion sensor 91 can bearbitrarily connected to the connector.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an LED lamp 104 according to asixth embodiment of the first structural example of the presentinvention. The LED lamp 104 is in the form of a bulb mounted on a bulbsocket 121 provided on a recessed lighting fixture 120. The lightingfixture 120 has a fixture body 124 fitted into an opening 123 formed ina ceiling 122, for example. The fixture body 124 is in the form of acylinder having a flange on a lower portion, for example, and partitionsa space 125 opened toward a lower portion of the ceiling 122. The LEDlamp 104 is held in the space 125. The inner surface of the fixture body124 functions as a reflecting surface reflecting light received from theLED lamp 104 downward.

The LED lamp 104 has a base 130 couplable to the bulb socket 121 and acase 131. The case 131 integrally includes a cylindrical portion 132 anda dome portion 133 formed on a side opposite to the base 130, and has arotation-symmetrical shape. A connector 135 electrically connected to amotion sensor module 140 is provided on a side portion of the case 131(an upper end portion of a side surface of the case 131 in the exampleshown in FIG. 16). The motion sensor module 140 includes a sensor body141, a lead wire 142 extending from the sensor body 141, and a plug 143fixed to an end portion of the lead wire 142. The plug 143 is formed tobe couplable to the connector 135, and electrically connects the leadwire 142 to the connector 135.

According to this structure, the sensor body 141 can be arranged on aposition separating from the LED lamp 140, e.g. outside the space 125partitioned by the fixing body 124, as shown in FIG. 16. If an LED lampof a mode such as that shown in FIG. 15 is applied to the recessedlighting fixture 120 as such, a sensitivity region of a motion sensormay interfere with the fixture body 124, to narrow a general sensitivityregion. When the motion sensor module 140 shown in FIG. 16 is employedand the sensor body 141 is arranged downward beyond the LED lamp 104,therefore, the whole of a sensitivity region of the sensor body 141 canbe employed. A proper sensitivity region can be set by rendering asensitivity axis of the sensor body 141 unparallel to an illuminationaxis of the LED lamp 104. The direction of the sensitivity axis may beso set that a sensitivity region conforming to a region illuminated bythe LED lamp 104 is obtained, for example.

The sensor body 141, arranged outside the fixture body 124 in FIG. 16,may alternatively be arranged in the fixture body 124 (in the space 125:on the inner wall surface of the fixture body 124, for example). Theconnector 135 may not necessarily be arranged on the side portion of theLED lamp 104, but may be arranged on a lower portion or upper surface.If the connector 135 is arranged on the lower portion, however, theportion of the connector 135 may be darkened to deteriorate theappearance of the LED lamp 104, when the LED lamp 104 is turned on. Ifthe connector 135 is arranged on the upper surface, it may be difficultto connect the plug 143 in the state where the LED lamp 104 is mountedon the lighting fixture 120.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view partially showing the structure of an LEDlamp 105 according to a seventh embodiment of the first structuralexample of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 17, portionscorresponding to those shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same referencesigns. The LED lamp 105 includes a sensor mounting structure 151mounting a motion sensor module 150 on a case 4 so that the attitudethereof is changeable. The sensor mounting structure 151 includes a cap5, a module holding member 152 coupled to the cap 5, and a module case153 of the motion sensor module 150. The motion sensor module 150includes the module case 153 and a sensor body 154 stored in the modulecase 153. The module case 153 is spherically formed, and has a sphericalouter surface 155.

The module holding member 152 is fixed to the cap 5 from the side of theinner surface with a fixing means such as a bolt 158. The cap 5 and themodule holding member 152 have partial spherical surfaces 156 and 157respectively. The partial spherical surfaces 156 and 157 are equal incurvature to the outer surface 155 of the module case 153. When themodule holding member 152 is coupled to the cap 5, the partial sphericalsurfaces 156 and 157 are continuous with each other, to form a partialspherical surface slightly larger than a semispherical surface. Themodule case 153 is held in a space partitioned by the partial sphericalsurface. Therefore, the module case 153 can change the attitude thereofin the state held by the cap 5 and the module holding member 152.Following the attitude change, the direction of a sensitivity axis 159of the sensor body 154, and it follows that a sensitivity region changesin response thereto. Therefore, the user of the LED lamp 105 can directthe sensitivity axis 159 toward a proper direction in response to themounting position or conditions of use of the LED lamp 105. In otherwords, the user can direct the sensitivity axis 159 of the motion sensormodule 150 not only toward the longitudinal direction of the case 4 butalso toward an arbitrary direction including that orthogonal to thelongitudinal direction.

As shown in FIG. 18, a motion sensor module 170 may be formed to includea holding case 175 rotatably holding a spherical module case 153, to bemounted on the case 4 or the cap 5. As shown in FIG. 19, further, amotion sensor module 180 may be formed by embedding terminal pins 172electrically connected with a sensor body 154 in a holding case 175. Themotion sensor module 180 can be employed in place of the motion sensormodule 11 shown in FIG. 1 etc. Thus, the user can more freely set thedirection of the sensitivity axis of the motion sensor in the LED lamp 1shown in FIG. 1 etc.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view for illustrating the structure of an LEDlamp 106 according to an eighth embodiment of the first structuralexample of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 20, portionscorresponding to those shown in FIG. 15 are denoted by the samereference signs.

The LED lamp 106 has a sensor mounting structure 165 rotatably mountinga motion sensor module 160 on a top portion of a dome portion 133 of acase 131. The motion sensor module 160 has a module case 161, and asensor body 162 stored in the module case 161. In a state where themotion sensor module 160 is mounted on the case 131 through the sensormounting structure 165, a sensitivity axis 163 of the sensor body 162 isinclined with respect to an illumination axis 166 of the LED lamp 106.In other words, the sensor body 162 is so fixed to the module case 161that the sensitivity axis 163 is along such a direction. The sensormounting structure 165 mounts the motion sensor module 160 on the case131 in a state rotatable on the illumination axis 166. Thus, the user ofthe LED lamp 106 can set a proper sensitivity region 164 by directingthe sensitivity axis 163 toward a proper direction in response to themounting position or conditions of use of the LED lamp 106.

Similarly to the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the module case161 may be spherically formed, and the sensor mounting structure 165 maymount the module case 161 on the case 131 to be rotatable in anarbitrary direction. Thus, the sensitivity axis 163 of the motion sensormodule 160 can be directed toward an arbitrary direction. Further, theaforementioned motion sensor module 170 shown in FIG. 18 may be mountedon the case 131. In addition, a connector capable of detachably mountinga motion sensor module may be provided in the case 131, so that theaforementioned motion sensor module 180 shown in FIG. 19 is arbitraryconnected to the connector.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram for illustrating the electrical structure ofan LED lamp 107 according to a ninth embodiment of the first structuralexample of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 21, portionscorresponding to those shown in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same referencesigns. In the following description of the ninth embodiment, FIGS. 1 to6 and 9 are also referred to as necessary, and the ninth embodiment isdescribed mainly with reference to points different from those of thefirst embodiment.

The LED lamp 107 includes a shutter unit 200 opening/closing an infraredincidence path to a motion sensor module 11. A microcomputer 50 isprogrammed to determine the presence or absence of a stationary humanbeing in the vicinity of the LED lamp 107 on the basis of an outputsignal received from the motion sensor module 11 when opening/closing(e.g. periodically shutting) the infrared incidence path to the motionsensor module 11 by driving the shutter unit 200. According to the ninthembodiment, the LED lamp 107 is provided with no temperature sensormodule 13 (see FIG. 7 etc.).

FIG. 22 is a diagram for illustrating the positional relation betweenthe motion sensor module 11 and the shutter unit 200. A sensor body 20of the motion sensor module 11 includes a pyroelectric infrared sensor201 and a Fresnel lens 202. The pyroelectric infrared sensor 201 has aphotoreceiving surface 203 directed toward a sensitivity axis 23. TheFresnel lens 202 is in the form of a dome (a semisphere) covering thephotoreceiving surface 203. The Fresnel lens 202 irregularizes adetection field of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 201. In other words,the pyroelectric infrared sensor 201 is capable of sensing only infraredrays radiated from a radiator (a human body) positioned in any sensableregion 205 shown with slant lines due to a condensing action of theFresnel lens 202, and regions other than the sensable regions 205 areunsensable regions 206 where the pyroelectric infrared sensor 201 isincapable of sensing radiation of infrared rays. When an infraredradiator such as a human body moves across any sensable region 205 andan unsensable region 206 adjacent thereto, the temperature of thephotoreceiving surface 203 changes. Therefore, the pyroelectric infraredsensor 201 generates electromotive force resulting from a pyroelectriceffect, and outputs a signal responsive therefore. When a human beingmoves in a sensitivity region 24 centering on the sensitivity axis 23,therefore, an output signal of the motion sensor module 11 changes.Thus, the pyroelectric infrared sensor 201 can sense a human entranceinto the sensitivity region 24 and a human movement in the sensitivityregion 24.

When a human being stands still in the sensitivity region 24, the stateof infrared incidence upon the photoreceiving surface 203 of thepyroelectric infrared sensor 201 remains unchanged so that thetemperature of the photoreceiving surface 203 also remains unchanged,and hence the pyroelectric infrared sensor 201 generates noelectromotive force resulting from a pyroelectric effect.

According to the ninth embodiment, therefore, the shutter unit 200 isarranged in a region ahead of (immediately ahead of the Fresnel lens 202in the ninth embodiment) the photoreceiving surface 203 centering on thesensitivity axis 23. More specifically, the shutter unit 200 is arrangedin the infrared incidence path between the photoreceiving surface 203and an illuminated region 37. The shutter unit 200 may be formed by aliquid crystal shutter unit. In this case, infrared rays from a radiatorpresent in the sensitivity region 24 enter the photoreceiving surface203 of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 201 when the liquid crystalshutter unit is brought into a translucent state (a state transmittingthe infrared rays). When the liquid crystal shutter unit is brought intoa shielding state (a state blocking the infrared rays), on the otherhand, no infrared rays enter the photoreceiving surface 203 of thepyroelectric infrared sensor 201. Alternatively, the shutter unit 200may be formed by a unit mechanically shutting the infrared incidencepath. A structure rotating a shutter plate with an electric motor can beemployed as a mechanical shutter unit. Translucent portions (portionstransmitting infrared rays) and shielding portions (portions blockinginfrared rays) are alternately formed on the shutter plate in relationto a rotational direction, for example. The electric motor rotates theshutter plate on an axis of rotation set parallelly to the sensitivityaxis 23 on a position deviating therefrom. Therefore, the translucentportions and the shielding portions are alternately positioned in frontof the photoreceiving surface 203 of the pyroelectric infrared sensor201, due to the rotation of the shutter plate. Therefore, a state wherethe infrared rays from the radiator present in the sensitivity region 24enter the photoreceiving surface 203 and a state where the infrared raysdo not enter the photoreceiving surface 203 can be switched bycontrolling the rotational position of the shutter plate. In thefollowing description, a state of the shutter unit 200 transmitting theinfrared rays from the radiator present in the sensitivity region 24through the photoreceiving surface 203 is referred to as an “open state”or the like, and a state of the shutter unit 200 shutting the incidencepath of the infrared rays to the photoreceiving surface 203 is referredto as a “closed state” or the like.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for illustrating a principle of sensing astationary human body with the pyroelectric infrared sensor 201 and theshutter unit 200. As shown at (a) in FIG. 23, the microcomputer 50opens/closes the shutter unit 200, and periodically shuts the infraredincidence path to the photoreceiving surface 203 of the pyroelectricinfrared sensor 201, for example. The cycle of the opening/closing maybe about several milliseconds. If the shutter unit 200 is switched fromthe closed state to the open state when a human being as the radiator ispresent in the sensitivity region 24, the temperature of thephotoreceiving surface 203 of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 201 sochanges that the pyroelectric infrared sensor 201 generateselectromotive force resulting from a pyroelectric effect. Also when theshutter unit 200 is switched from the open state to the closed state,the temperature of the photoreceiving surface 203 of the pyroelectricinfrared sensor 201 so changes that the pyroelectric infrared sensor 201generates electromotive force resulting from a pyroelectric effect.Therefore, the pyroelectric infrared sensor 201 outputs an AC signal, asshown at (b) in FIG. 23. When no human being as the radiator is presentin the sensitivity region 24, on the other hand, the state of infraredincidence upon the photoreceiving surface 203 of the pyroelectricinfrared sensor 201 remains unchanged even if the microcomputer 50opens/closes the shutter unit 200. Therefore, the output signal of thepyroelectric infrared sensor 201 remains generally unchanged, as shownat (c) in FIG. 23. Thus, the microcomputer 50 can sense the presence orabsence of a stationary human being with the pyroelectric infraredsensor 201 (the motion sensor module 11), by opening/closing the shutterunit 200.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing examples of control contents ofprocessing repeated by the microcomputer 50 every prescribed controlcycle. Referring to FIG. 24, steps similar to those shown in FIG. 8 aredenoted by the same reference signs.

According to the ninth embodiment, the microcomputer 50 startsopening/closing the shutter unit 200 (at a step S71) when the motionsensor module 11 detects a human motion in the sensitivity region 24(YES at a step S7) and the microcomputer 50 totally turns on an LEDsource portion 2 (at a step S8). In the period precedent thereto, themicrocomputer 50 controls the shutter unit 200 to the opened state.

In the state opening/closing the shutter unit 200 (at the step S71), themicrocomputer 50 monitors the output signal of the motion sensor module11 (the pyroelectric infrared sensor 201), and determines whether or nota stationary human being is present in the vicinity of the LED lamp 107(at a step S72) by the output signal. When detecting an AC waveformshown at (b) in FIG. 23, the microcomputer 50 determines that a humanbeing is present in the vicinity of the LED lamp 107. When the outputsignal of the motion sensor module 11 exhibits no significant change asshown at (c) in FIG. 23, on the other hand, the microcomputer 50determines that no human being is present in the vicinity of the LEDlamp 107.

When the motion sensor module 11 senses a stationary human being (YES atthe step S72), the microcomputer 50 keeps the LED source portion 2 in atotal lighting-up state (at a step S8), and continuously drives theshutter unit 200 (at the step S71). When the motion sensor module 11senses no stationary human being (NO at the step S72), on the otherhand, the microcomputer 50 stops opening/closing the shutter unit 200and controls the same to the open state (at a step S73). Further, themicrocomputer 50 resets an internal timer, and makes the timer startcounting (at a step S11). A subsequent control operation is similar tothat in the aforementioned first embodiment.

According to the ninth embodiment, as hereinabove described, the LEDlamp 107 can sense the presence or absence of a stationary human beingwithout the temperature sensor module 13 provided in the firstembodiment. Thus, the LED lamp 107 allowing proper control of alighting-up state by sensing not only a human motion but also thepresence or absence of a stationary human being can be provided in asimpler structure at a lower cost. A temperature sensor such as athermopile is high-priced, and hence the cost for the LED lamp 107including no high-priced temperature sensor can be remarkably saved.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram for illustrating the electrical structure ofan LED lamp 108 according to a tenth embodiment of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 25, portions corresponding to those shownin FIG. 21 are denoted by the same reference signs. The tenth embodimentis now described mainly with reference to points different from those ofthe ninth embodiment.

According to the tenth embodiment, the LED lamp 108 is provided with apyroelectric infrared sensor 210 separately from a motion sensor module11. A shutter unit 200 is arranged to open/close an infrared incidencepath to a photoreceiving surface of the pyroelectric infrared sensor210. The pyroelectric infrared sensor 210 may be formed to have asensitivity region similar to a sensitivity region 24 of the motionsensor 11, or may be formed to have a narrower sensitivity region aroundthe center of the sensitivity region 24, for example. Further, thepyroelectric infrared sensor 210 may not have a Fresnel lens between thephotoreceiving surface and the sensitivity region thereof. The shutterunit 200 is arranged on the infrared incidence path between thephotoreceiving surface and the sensitivity region of the pyroelectricinfrared sensor 210. More specifically, the shutter unit 200 may bearranged immediately ahead of the photoreceiving surface of thepyroelectric infrared sensor 210.

A microcomputer 50 detects a human entrance into the sensitivity region24 and a human motion in the sensitivity region 24 on the basis of anoutput signal received from the motion sensor module 11. Further, themicrocomputer 50 opens/closes (e.g. periodically shuts) the infraredincidence path to the photoreceiving surface of the pyroelectricinfrared sensor 210 by driving the shutter unit 200, and determineswhether or not a stationary human being is present in the vicinity ofthe LED lamp 108 on the basis of an output signal currently receivedfrom the pyroelectric infrared sensor 210. The details of thedetermination are similar to those of the determination described inrelation to the ninth embodiment with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24. Inprocessing similar to that in the flow chart shown in FIG. 24, themicrocomputer 50 makes a determination at a step similar to the step S72on the basis of the output signal received from the pyroelectricinfrared sensor 210, as a matter of course. According to the tenthembodiment, the microcomputer 50 may regularly open/close the shutterunit 200, or may open/close the shutter unit 200 only when the motionsensor module 11 senses a human entrance into the sensitivity region 24or a human motion in the sensitivity region 24 (at a step similar to thestep S71).

Thus, while the LED lamp 108 is provided with the pyroelectric infraredsensor 210 separately from the motion sensor module 11 according to thetenth embodiment, the pyroelectric infrared sensor 210 is at aremarkably lower cost as compared with a temperature sensor such as athermopile, and hence the cost for the LED lamp 108 can be more reducedas compared with the case of the first embodiment. Further, thesensitivity region of the pyroelectric infrared sensor 210 can be setindependently of the sensitivity region 24 of the motion sensor module11, whereby the microcomputer 50 can more properly sense the presence ofa stationary human being.

While the embodiments of the first structural example of the presentinvention have been described, the present invention may be embodied inother ways. For example, while the motion sensor module is detachable inthe structure shown in FIG. 1 etc., the motion sensor may alternativelybe fixedly mounted on the LED lamp. While the motion sensor module isarrangeable on either end portion of the straight LED lamp in thestructure shown in FIG. 1 etc., a connector for the motion sensor modulemay be provided only on one of the end portions. Further, while thesensitivity axis of the motion sensor module is directed toward thecenter of the illuminated region of the LED lamp in the structure shownin FIG. 1 etc., the sensitivity axis may alternatively be parallelizedto the illumination axis of the LED lamp.

While the LED lamp includes the motion sensor, the illuminance sensorand the temperature sensor in each of the aforementioned first and thirdembodiments, the temperature sensor as well as the structure and theprocessing related thereto may be omitted, or the motion sensor as wellas the structure and the processing related thereto may be omitted. Thisalso applies to the second embodiment, and the motion sensor as well asthe structure and the processing related thereto may be omitted, or thetemperature sensor and the structure related thereto may be added afterthe first embodiment.

While the microcomputer totally turns on the LED source portion when themotion sensor senses a human motion in each of the aforementionedembodiments, the microcomputer may turn on the LED source portion withdriving power of less than 100% (however, higher than the driving powerin the standby running state), and may turn on the LED source portion inresponse to the ambient illuminance, for example.

While the shutter unit 200 is arranged in front of the Fresnel lens 202(on the side opposite to the photoreceiving surface 203 of thepyroelectric infrared sensor 201) in FIG. 22, the shutter unit 200 mayalternatively be arranged between the Fresnel lens 202 and thephotoreceiving surface 203.

The structures shown in the aforementioned ninth and tenth embodimentsare also applicable to the second to eighth embodiments.

[2] SECOND STRUCTURAL EXAMPLE

FIGS. 26 and 28 show an example of an LED lamp according to anembodiment of a second structural example of the present invention. AnLED lamp 1101 according to the embodiment includes a substrate 1200, acover 1210, a radiation member 1300, a plurality of LED modules 1400, aconnector 1500, a power supply portion 1600, a control portion 1700, astorage portion 1710, an LED driver 1720, a radio wave sensing portion1750, a motion sensor 1760, and an illuminance sensor 1770. The LED lamp1101 has a shape similar to that of the so-called straight fluorescentlamp, and is attachable to a lighting fixture mounted with a straightfluorescent lamp. The LED lamp 1101 may be rendered attachable to adedicated lighting fixture, in addition to the structure attached to thelighting fixture for a general straight fluorescent lamp.

The substrate 1200 is an insulating substrate made of glass epoxy resinor ceramic, for example, and has an elongating rectangular shape. Theradiation member 1300, mounted on the back surface of the substrate1200, is made of aluminum, for example. The cover 1210 is made ofsemitransparent milky resin, and in the form of a cylinder storing thesubstrate 1200. The connector 1500 is a site employed for mounting theLED lamp 1101 on a lighting fixture 1110 described later, and includes aplurality of bar terminals made of a metal, for example.

The plurality of LED modules 1400 are arrayed on the surface of thesubstrate 1200 along the longitudinal direction thereof. According tothe embodiment, groups of some LED modules 1400 connected in series withone another are connected in parallel with one another, as shown in FIG.28.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view of each LED module 1400. As shown in FIG.27, the LED module 1400 includes an LED chip 1410, a pair of leads 1420,sealing resin 1440 and a reflector 1430. The pair of leads 1420 are madeof a Cu alloy, for example, and the LED chip 1410 is loaded on one ofthe leads 1420. The LED chip 1410 serves as the light source for the LEDmodule 1400, and is enabled to emit blue light, for example. The sealingresin 1440 is provided for protecting the LED chip 1410. The sealingresin 1440 is made of translucent resin containing a fluorescentmaterial excited by light received from the LED chip 1410 therebyemitting yellow light. Thus, the LED module 1400 can irradiate whitelight. The aforementioned fluorescent material may be prepared by mixingmaterials emitting red light and green light with each other, in placeof the material emitting yellow light. The reflector 1430 is made ofwhite resin, for example, and employed for upwardly reflecting lightlaterally emitted from the LED chip 1410.

The control portion 1700 is provided with a CPU, an EPROM, a RAM and aninput/output interface, for example, and employed for controlling theentire LED lamp 1101. The control portion 1700 stores a program forimplementing light-emission control of the LED lamp 1101 describedlater. According to this embodiment, the control portion 1700 has atimer circuit 1701. The timer circuit 1701 is a circuit counting timefor controlling the running time of the plurality of LED modules 1400(LED chips 1410). The LED driver 1720 is a driver IC driving/controllinglight-emitting states of the plurality of LED chips 1410 by PWM control,for example, on the basis of an instruction received from the controlportion 1700.

The motion sensor 1760 is provided with a thermopile or the likegenerating electromotive force by receiving infrared rays radiated froma human body, for example. The motion sensor 1760 outputs a sensingsignal to the control portion 1700. The motion sensor 1760 of such astructure is capable of sensing a human entrance into a sensing rangethereof due to the generation of electromotive force in principle, whilethe same is incapable of sensing continuous presence of a human being inthe sensing range.

The illuminance sensor 1770 is a sensor measuring the illuminance of theenvironment where the LED lamp 1101 is set, and stores a photodiode, forexample. The illuminance sensor 1770 outputs a sensing signal responsiveto the illuminance to the control portion 1700. The storage portion1710, formed by a RAM, for example, stores the illuminance based on thesensing signal received from the illuminance sensor 1770.

The radio wave sensing portion 1750 receives a radio wave from aportable telephone, thereby outputting a sensing signal responsive tothe strength of the radio wave to the control portion 1700. The radiowave sensing portion 1750 is provided with an antenna for receiving theradio wave, a conversion port ion converting the radio wave to a signal,and an amplifier portion amplifying the converted signal, for example.

Operations of the LED lamp 1101 are now described with reference toFIGS. 29 to 36.

As shown in FIG. 31, the LED lamp 1101 is used in a state mounted on thelighting fixture 1110 set on a ceiling 1850, for example. A user 1800walking on a floor 1860 comes and goes around a portion immediatelyunder the lighting fixture 1110. When the user 1800 enters a sensingrange 1761, the motion sensor 1760 outputs a sensing signal.

Power is supplied through an operating portion (not shown) of thelighting fixture 1110, as shown in FIG. 29 (at a step S100). Theoperating portion may be set on a wall surface or the like, for example,or may be a remote control switch. Then, the control portion 1700determines whether or not the LED lamp 1101 is in a normal running mode(at a step S110). The normal running mode may be selected through theaforementioned operating portion of the lighting fixture 1110 or by aninstruction transmitted to the LED lamp 1101 from the remote controlswitch. The control portion 1700 performs processing subsequent to astep S111 when the normal running mode is selected, or performsprocessing subsequent to a step S120 when the normal running mode is notselected.

<Normal Running Mode>

When the normal running mode is selected, the control portion 1700determines whether or not a sensing signal is received from the motionsensor 1760 (at the step S111). When no sensing signal is received fromthe motion sensor 1760, the control portion 1700 repeats thedetermination at the step S111. When the user 1800 enters the sensingrange 1761 as shown in FIG. 32, on the other hand, the motion sensor1760 outputs a sensing signal to the control portion 1700. The controlportion 1700 receiving the sensing signal determines that the user 1800has entered the sensing range 1761. Then, the control portion 1700controls the timer circuit 1701 to start the timer (at a step S112), andtotally turns on the plurality of LED modules 1400 (the LED chips 1410)(at a step S113), as shown in FIG. 29.

The timer circuit 1701 keeps the timer in a counting state while theplurality of LED modules 1400 (the LED chips 1410) are in a totallighting-up state. When the user 1800 temporarily leaving the sensingrange 1761 reenters the sensing range 1761, however, the motion sensor1760 outputs another sensing signal to the control portion 1700. Whenreceiving the sensing signal (YES at a step S114), the control portion1700 controls the timer circuit 1701 to reset the timer (at a stepS116).

When determining that the motion sensor 1760 has sensed no humanentrance at the step S114, on the other hand, the control portion 1700turns on the plurality of LED modules 1400 (the LED chips 1410) inresponse to a radio wave sensing state of the radio wave sensing portion1750. As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the user 1800 carries a portabletelephone 1810. The portable telephone 1810 corresponds to a radio wavetransmission means in the present invention. The portable telephone 1810intermittently transmits a positional information radio wave, a loadcompletion information radio wave or the like, for example. The radiowave sensing portion 1750 transmits a sensing signal responsive to thestrength of the received radio wave to the control portion 1700. Thecontrol portion 1700 stores predetermined reference radio wave strengthRws, which is set to a level corresponding to a time when the radio wavesensing portion 1750 receives a radio wave transmitted from the generalportable telephone 1810 placed in a prescribed range around the portionimmediately under the LED lamp 1101 or the like. The control portion1700 compares current radio wave strength Rw based on the sensing signalreceived from the radio wave sensing portion 1750 and the referenceradio wave strength Rws with each other (at a step S115). When the radiowave strength Rw is greater than the reference radio wave strength Rws,the control portion 1700 controls the timer circuit 1701 to reset thetimer at the step S116.

When determining that the motion sensor 1760 has sensed no humanentrance at the step S114 and that the radio wave sensing portion 1750has sensed no radio wave at the step S115, the control portion 1700controls the timer circuit 1701 to keep the timer in the counting state.Then, the control portion 1700 repeats the steps S114 and S115 in thestate totally turning on the plurality of LED modules 1400 (the LEDchips 1410) until the count of the timer reaches a prescribed time (90sec., for example) (at a step S117). When the count of the timer reachesthe prescribed time (YES at the step S117), the control portion 1700totally turns off the plurality of LED modules 1400 (the LED chips 1410)(at a step S118). The control portion 1700 terminates the normal runningmode through the aforementioned processing.

<All-Night Running Mode>

When determining that the normal running mode is not selected at thestep S110, the control portion 1700 determines whether or not anall-night running mode is selected at the step S120. The all-nightrunning mode may be selected through the aforementioned operatingportion of the lighting fixture 1110 or by an instruction transmitted tothe LED lamp 1101 from the remote control switch. When the all-nightrunning mode is not selected, the control portion 1700 returns to thestep S110. When the all-night running mode is selected, on the otherhand, the control portion 1700 performs all-night running processing ata step S121.

FIG. 30 shows the contents of the all-night running processing (at thestep S121). When an initial setting mode is selected (YES at a stepS211), the control portion 1700 performs illuminance storage processingat a step S213. When a reset operation is selected (YES at a step S212)in a case where the initial setting mode is not selected at the stepS211, the control portion 1700 also performs the illuminance storageprocessing at the step S213.

In the illuminance storage processing, the control portion 1700 storesilluminance based on the sensing signal received from the illuminancesensor 1770 in the storage portion 1710. At this time, the controlportion 1700 keeps the plurality of LED modules 1400 (the LED chips1410) in an all-night running state in a state where external lighthardly enters the room through a window 1870 at night or the like, asshown in FIG. 35. The all-night running state denotes a state wherebrightness is intentionally reduced below that in the total lighting-upstate of the plurality of LED modules 1400 (the LED chips 1410) toensure illuminance allowing the user 1800 to walk at night withoutbothering the neighborhood, for example.

After completing the illuminance storage processing at the step S213 orwhen determining that the reset operation is not selected at the stepS212, the control portion 1700 advances to a step S214, as shown in FIG.30. At the step S214, the control portion 1700 compares referenceilluminance Ims and illuminance Im with each other. The referenceilluminance Ims is obtained by adding constant illuminance to thatstored in the storage portion 1710. The illuminance Im is based on thecurrent sensing signal received from the illuminance sensor 1770. Whenexternal light hardly enters the room through the window 1870 at nightas shown in FIG. 35, for example, the illuminance Im is less than thereference illuminance Ims. In this case, the control portion 1700 bringsthe plurality of LED modules 1400 (the LED chips 1410) into theall-night running state (at a step S215). When a large quantity ofexternal light enters the room through the window 1870 at dawn or thelike as shown in FIG. 36, on the other hand, the illuminance Im isgreater than the reference illuminance Ims. In this case, the controlportion 1700 advances to a step S217 without bringing the plurality ofLED modules 1400 (the LED chips 1410) into the all-night running state.When determining that suspend setting is performed at a step S216, thecontrol portion 1700 totally turns off the plurality of LED modules 1400(the LED chips 1410) at the step S217. When determining that no suspendsetting is performed at the step S216, on the other hand, the controlportion 1700 returns to the step S110. The contents of the all-nightrunning processing at the step S121 are as described above.

Functions of the LED lamp 1101 are now described.

When the user 1800 stays around the LED lamp 1101 as shown in FIG. 33,the radio wave sensing portion 1750 can recognize the presence of theuser 1800 by sensing a radio wave from the portable telephone 1810carried by the user 1800. When the user 1800 stays around the LED lamp1101, therefore, the control portion 1700 can be prevented from turningoff the LED lamp 1101 against the intention of the user 1800.

Also when the user 1800 is out of the sensing range 1761 of the motionsensor 1760 as shown in FIG. 34, the LED lamp 1101 is kept in alighting-up state if the radio wave strength Rw sensed by the radio wavesensing portion 1750 is greater than the reference radio wave strengthRws. Thus, the LED lamp 1101 can be properly kept in the lighting-upstate when the user 1800 out of the sensing range 1761 requires thelight of the LED lamp 1101.

The control portion 1700 controls the timer circuit 1710 to reset thetimer (at the step S116) in response to the sensing signal received fromthe motion sensor 1760 (at the step S114), so that the LED lamp 1101 canbe properly kept in the lighting-up state when the user 1800 temporarilyleaves the sensing range 1761 and thereafter reenters the sensing range1761 or a user other than the user 1800 enters the sensing range 1761.

The LED lamp 1101 includes the all-night running mode, whereby the samecan illuminate the room for enabling the user 1800 to walk or forattaining a crime prevention effect when no such brightness as that inthe total lighting-up state is required at night or the like. Further,the control portion 1700 brings the plurality of LED modules 1400 (theLED chips 1410) into the all-night running state by comparing thereference illuminance Ims and the illuminance Im with each other,whereby the same can be prevented from unnecessarily bringing the LEDlamp 1101 into the all-night running state when the room is illuminatedto some extent by external light.

A sampling period of the illuminance sensor 1770 constituted of aphotodiode or the like is generally remarkably shorter than an on/offcycle of the LED chips 1410 turned on/off by PWM control. If timing formeasuring the quantity of light with the illuminance sensor 1770 issynchronized with timing when the LED chips 1410 are in the lighting-upstate (the total lighting-up state), therefore, the illuminance sensor1770 can measure the illuminance in the total lighting-up state of theLED chips 1410. The control portion 1700 can monitor change in thequantity of light in the LED chips 1410 by storing the total quantity oflight in the LED chips 1410 at the time when the user 1800 starts usingthe LED lamp 1101 in the storage portion 1710 and comparing initialilluminance with illuminance in use, for example. Thus, when thequantity of light in the LED chips 1410 falls below 30% of the initiallevel, for example, the control portion 1700 of the LED lamp 1101 canself-determine that the lives of the LED chips 1410 have been ended.

FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing lighting-up control in a normal runningmode of a modification of the LED lamp 1101. According to thismodification, processing of the timer circuit 1701 varies with a casewhere the motion sensor 1760 senses a human entrance at a step S114 anda case where the radio wave strength Rw is greater than the referenceradio wave strength Rws. When the control portion 1700 determines thatthe motion sensor 1760 senses a human entrance at the step S114, thetimer circuit 1701 resets the count of the timer to zero at a stepS116A, and restarts the timer at a step S112.

When the control portion 1700 determines that the motion sensor 1760senses no human entrance at the step S114 but the radio wave strength Rwis greater than the reference radio wave strength Rws at a step 115, onthe other hand, the timer circuit 1701 advances to a step S116B. At thestep S116B, the timer circuit 1701 puts back the timer by a constanttime. The constant time is smaller than a prescribed time (90 sec., forexample) employed for determining whether or not a timer time haselapsed at a step S117. For example, the constant time corresponds toone cycle of a radio wave periodically transmitted from the portabletelephone 1810 for the purpose of localization or acknowledgement. Afterputting the timer back by the constant time at the step S116B, the timercircuit 1701 returns to the step S112. At the step S112, the timercircuit 1701 restarts the timer put back by the constant time.

The motion sensor 1760 senses a human entrance when the user 1800 entersthe sensing range 1761, and there is a small possibility that the user1800 immediately leaves the sensing range 1760. Therefore, the timercircuit 1701 preferably resets the timer at the step S116A therebybringing the LED lamp 1101 into the lighting-up state for a sufficientlylong time (90 sec. as the prescribed time, for example). When the motionsensor 1760 senses no human entrance but the radio wave strength Rw isgreater than the reference radio wave strength Rws at the step S115, onthe other hand, there is a strong possibility that the user 1800 alreadyentering the sensing range 1761 stays in a portion around the LED lamp1101. In this case, there is a possibility that the user 1800 leaves theportion around the LED lamp 1101 in a relatively short time. Therefore,the timer circuit 1701 puts back the timer by the constant time withoutresetting the count thereof to zero at the step S116B, so that the LEDlamp 1101 can be prevented from being incorrectly kept in thelighting-up state although the user 1800 has thereafter left the portionaround the LED lamp 1101.

The LED lamp according to the second structural example of the presentinvention is not restricted to the aforementioned embodiment. Thespecific structures of the respective portions of the LED lamp accordingto the second structural example of the present invention can be freelychanged in design.

The LED lamp 1101 is not restricted to that similar in appearance to theso-called straight fluorescent lamp, but may have a bulb-typeappearance, for example. The radio wave transmission means in thepresent invention is represented by the portable telephone but notrestricted thereto, and may be a portable Wi-Fi router, for example.

[3] THIRD STRUCTURAL EXAMPLE

FIGS. 39 to 45 show an LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor according to afirst embodiment of a third structural example of the present invention.As shown in FIG. 39, the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor is fixed to aceiling W1 as the substitution of a straight fluorescent lamp, and usedfor illuminating the room. In the following description, thelongitudinal direction of the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor isreferred to as a direction x, and directions orthogonal to the directionx are referred to as directions y and z. The direction z conforms to adirection directed from the ceiling W1 toward the floor face. Referringto FIG. 39, a power supply device P1 connected to a commercial powersource, a socket S1 connected to the power supply device P1, and asocket S2 separating from the socket S1 in the direction x are providedon the ceiling W1. First and second end portions of the LED lamp A1 witha motion sensor in the direction x are fitted into the sockets S1 and S2respectively, so that the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor is fixed tothe ceiling W1.

As shown in FIGS. 39 to 41, the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensorincludes a diffusing cover 2001 in the form of a cylinder elongating inthe direction x and a plurality of LED modules 2002 arrayed along thedirection x, to have an appearance similar to that of a straightfluorescent lamp. The diffusing cover 2001 covers the plurality of LEDmodules 2002, as shown in FIG. 41. The LED lamp A1 with a motion sensorfurther includes a support member 2003 supporting the plurality of LEDmodules 2002, an electrical circuit component 2004, a motion sensor2005, end caps 2061 and 2062, and bases 2071 and 2072, as shown in FIG.39. The end cap 2061 and the base 2071 are positioned on a first side inthe direction x, and the end cap 2062 and the base 2072 are positionedon a second side in the direction x, as shown in FIG. 39.

The diffusion cover 2001 is made of transparent polycarbonate resin towhich a diffusing material such as mercury chloride is added, forexample. The diffusing cover 2001 diffuses and transmits light receivedfrom the LED modules 2002. An opening 2011 rectangular as viewed alongthe direction z is formed on a first end portion of the diffusing cover2001 in the direction x, as shown in FIG. 40. Further, an opening 2012rectangular as viewed along the direction z is formed on a second endportion of the diffusing cover 2001 in the direction x, as shown in FIG.41.

Each LED module 2002 stores an LED chip, and is formed to emit lightmainly toward a first side in the direction z.

As shown in FIG. 42, the support member 2003 elongates along thedirection x, and includes a substrate 2030, a first connector 2031, asecond connector 2032, and a radiator plate 2033. The substrate 2030 isrectangular as viewed along the direction z. As shown in FIG. 41, afirst surface of the substrate 2030 in the direction z serves as a setsurface where the LED modules 2002 are set, and a surface oppositethereto is in contact with the radiator plate 2033. The set surface isperpendicular to the direction z, and includes the direction x. Heatgenerated by the LED modules 2002 when turned on is quickly transmittedto the radiator plate 2033 through the substrate 2030.

As shown in FIG. 42, the first and second connectors 2031 and 2032 areset on first and second end portions of the substrate 2030 in thedirection x respectively. According to this arrangement, the secondconnector 2032 is separate from the first connector 2031. The firstconnector 2031 is exposed outward from the opening 2011 of the diffusingcover 2001, as shown in FIG. 40. Referring to FIG. 40, the firstconnector 2031 is provided with a plurality of terminal engagingportions 2311 rectangular as viewed along the direction z. The secondconnector 2032 is exposed outward from the opening 2012 of the diffusingcover 2001, as shown in FIG. 41. Referring to FIG. 41, the secondconnector 2032 is provided with a plurality of terminal engagingportions 2321 rectangular as viewed along the direction z. The terminalengaging portions 2311 and 2321 are identical in number to one another,and also identical in shape as viewed along the direction z to oneanother.

The electrical circuit component 2004 is se to be adjacent to a firstend portion of the support member 2003 in the direction x, as shown inFIG. 42. The electrical circuit component 2004 is stored in the base2071 as shown in FIG. 40, and connected to the power supply device P1through the socket S1. The electrical circuit component 2004 stores atransformer circuit rectifying alternating current supplied by the powersupply device P1 to direct current, and a control circuit connected tothe plurality of LED modules 2002. The control circuit performs controlfor feeding direct current obtained by a rectifying circuit to theplurality of LED modules 2002 as constant current. The control circuitis connected to the first and second connectors 2031 and 2032.

A wiring pattern (not shown) is provided on the substrate 2030. Thewiring pattern (not shown) is electrically connected with the electricalcircuit component 2004 by a wire (not shown). The aforementioned controlcircuit is connected with the plurality of LED modules 2002 through thewire (not shown) and the wiring pattern (not shown). The control circuitis also connected with the first and second connectors 2031 and 2032through the wire (not shown) and the wiring pattern (not shown).

The motion sensor 2005 includes a spherical member 2051, a holdingportion 2052 pivotably holding the spherical member 2051, and a sensorportion 2053, as shown in FIGS. 43 and 44. The spherical member 2051includes a body portion 2511 having a hollowed inner portion, and acondensing portion 2512 coupled to an upper end portion of the bodyportion 2511 in the direction z shown in FIG. 44. The sensor portion2053 is a thermopile utilizing a thermoelectromotive effect or apyroelectric member utilizing a pyroelectric effect, for example, andformed to output a signal by receiving infrared rays. The sensor portion2053 is provided in the body portion 2511, as shown in FIG. 44. Thecondensing portion 2512 functions as a lens for condensing infrared rayson the sensor portion 2053. The holding portion 2052 is provided with arecess portion 2521 engaging with the spherical member 2051. As shown inFIG. 44, the recess portion 2521 is formed to upwardly open in thedirection z. The opening of the recess portion 2521 is provided in theform of a circle having a smaller diameter than the spherical member2051 as viewed along the direction z, so that the spherical member 2051does not fall out of the recess portion 2521. The holding portion 2052includes a plurality of terminal portions 2522 protruding downward inFIG. 44 in the direction z. As shown in FIG. 45, the terminal portions2522 are rectangular as viewed along the direction z, and couplable toboth of the terminal engaging portions 2311 and 2321 of the first andsecond connectors 2031 and 2032.

The motion sensor 2005 is connected to the control circuit provided inthe electrical circuit component 2004 through the first connector 2031or the second connector 2032. The control circuit receives the signaloutput from the sensor portion 2053 and controls the current to theplurality of LED modules 2002. More specifically, the sensor portion2053 outputs a relatively strong electrical signal to the controlcircuit when receiving infrared rays of prescribed strength. Whenreceiving the relatively strong electrical signal, the control circuitfeeds the current to the LED modules 2002. When the strength of theinfrared rays received by the sensor portion 2053 is less than aprescribed level, on the other hand, the sensor portion 2053 outputs arelatively weak electrical signal to the control circuit. When receivingthe relatively weak electrical signal, the control circuit feeds nocurrent to the LED modules 2002.

It follows that the motion sensor 2005 has a detection range responsiveto the condensing function of the condensing portion 2512. When thecondensing portion 2512 condenses infrared rays in a range Cn centeringon a central axis Ln on the sensor portion 2053 as shown in FIG. 44, forexample, the range Cn serves as the detection range of the motion sensor2005. It is assumed that the direction where the condensing portion 2512is directed toward the central axis Ln (the direction of the centralaxis Ln) is the main detecting direction of the motion sensor 2005.

The motion sensor 2005 can change the aforementioned main detectingdirection by pivoting the spherical member 2051 in the recess portion2521. At this time, it follows that the detection range, centering onthe main detecting direction, also changes.

The end cap 2061 is mounted on a first end portion of the diffusingcover 2001 in the direction x. The base 2071 is mounted on the end cap2061 to protrude in the direction x. The base 2071 engaged with thesocket S1.

The end cap 2062 is mounted on a second end portion of the diffusingcover 2001 in the direction x. The base 2072 is mounted on the end cap2062 to protrude in the direction x. The base 2072 is engaged with thesocket S2.

Functions of the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor are further describedwith reference to FIGS. 46 to 63.

The aforementioned LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor can enter a firstused state where the motion sensor 2005 is coupled to the firstconnector 2031 and a second used state where the motion sensor 2005 iscoupled to the second connector 2032. In the first used state, themotion sensor 2005 is connected to the control circuit in the electricalcircuit component 2004 through the first connector 2031. In the secondused state, the motion sensor 2005 is connected to the control circuitin the electrical circuit component 2004 through the second connector2032.

FIGS. 46 to 53 show a situation where the LED lamp A1 with a motionsensor is set close to a wall W2. Such a situation takes place when thepower supply device P1 for a fluorescent lamp having been set in thevicinity of the wall W2 is to be utilized, as described with referenceto the related art.

Referring to FIGS. 46 and 47, the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor is inthe first used state, and the main detecting direction of the motionsensor 2005 is directed toward the direction z. As shown in FIG. 47, theholding portion 2052 enters a first holding state holding the sphericalmember 2051 to direct the condensing portion 2512 downward in FIG. 47.In the first holding state of the holding portion 2052, the motionsensor 2005 has a detection range C1 centering on an axis L1 directedtoward the direction z. However, it follows that the detection range C1partially overlaps with the wall W2 as shown in FIG. 46, and an actuallyeffective detection range C1E is narrower than the detection range C1.When the condensing portion 2512 is so designed that the detection rangeC1 precisely corresponds to the width of the room, the detection rangeC1E is narrower than the width of the room. In this case, there is apossibility that the motion sensor 2005 cannot sufficiently detectinfrared rays emitted by a human being present in the room on the sideopposite to the wall W2 and the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor isturned off.

The aforementioned problem arising in the LED lamp A1 with a motionsensor can be solved by changing the direction of the spherical member2051, as shown in FIGS. 48 and 49.

When the spherical member 2051 is pivoted so that the holding portion2052 enters a second holding state different from the first holdingstate as shown in FIG. 49, the direction of the condensing portion 2512and the sensor portion 2053 stored in the body portion 2511 is changed.The main detecting direction of the motion sensor 2005 in the secondholding state of the holding portion 2052 is inclined with respect tothe direction z, and an axis L1′ directed toward the main detectingdirection is inclined with respect to the axis L1. At this time, themotion sensor 2005 has a detection range C1′ centering on the axis L1′,as shown in FIG. 48.

When the axis L1′ is inclined to separate from the wall W2 in thedirection x toward the lower side in the direction z as shown in FIG.48, the detection range C1′ can be easily prevented from overlappingwith the wall W2. The detection range C1′ is closer to the side oppositeto the wall W2 than the detection range C1, and the aforementionedproblem hardly arises.

The aforementioned problem can also be solved by bringing the LED lampA1 with a motion sensor into the second used state, as shown in FIGS. 50and 51.

The motion sensor 2005 is coupled to the second connector 2032, as shownin FIG. 51. The holding portion 2052 is in the first holding state, andthe main detecting direction of the motion sensor 2005 is directedtoward the direction z. At this time, the motion sensor 2005 has adetection range C2 centering on an axis L2 directed toward the directionz. The detection range C2 corresponds to that obtained by horizontallymoving the detection range C1 in the direction x by the length of thespace between the first and second connectors 2031 and 2032. Thedetection range C2 includes a region not included in the detection rangeC1, as a matter of course. As shown in FIG. 50, the second connector2032 is on a position farther from the wall W2 as compared with thefirst connector 2031, and the detection range C2 hardly overlaps withthe wall W2.

If the room elongates in the direction x, however, the detection rangeC2 may not cover the whole room when the motion sensor 2005 is simplyhorizontally moved. In this case, the problem can be solved by bringingthe holding portion 2052 into the second holding state, as shown inFIGS. 52 and 53.

When the spherical member 2051 is pivoted so that the holding portion2052 enters the second holding state as shown in FIG. 53, the motionsensor 2005 has a detection range C2′ centering on an axis L2′ directedtoward a main detecting direction inclined with respect to the directionz.

When the axis L2′ is set to separate from the wall W2 in the direction xtoward the lower side in the direction z as shown in FIG. 52, thedetection range C2′ can be more easily prevented from overlapping withthe wall W2. The detection range C2′ is closer to the side opposite tothe wall W2 than the detection range C2, and the aforementioned problemhardly arises.

As hereinabove described, the detection range of the motion sensor 2005of the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor is changeable in various ways,whereby a detection range hardly influenced by a wall can be selectedeven if the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor must be set close to thewall. A proper detection range is so selected that the motion sensor2005 of the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor can more correctlydetermine the presence or absence of a human being.

FIGS. 54 to 61 show further embodiments of the third structural exampleof the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 54 to 61, elementsidentical or similar to those of the aforementioned first embodiment ofthe third structural example are denoted by the same reference signs.

FIGS. 54 and 55 show an LED lamp A2 with a motion sensor according to asecond embodiment of the third structural example of the presentinvention. In the LED lamp A2 with a motion sensor shown in FIGS. 54 and55, a mechanism for changing a main detecting direction of a motionsensor 2005 is different from that in the LED lamp A1 with a motionsensor, while the remaining structure is similar to that of the LED lampA1 with a motion sensor.

According to the second embodiment, the motion sensor 2005 includes acylindrical body portion 2511 and a semispherical condensing portion2512 mounted on the forward end of the body portion 2511. A sensorportion similar to the sensor portion 2053 of the LED lamp A1 with amotion sensor is provided in the body portion 2511.

According to the second embodiment, a support member 2033 includes afirst movable portion 2341, a second movable portion 2342, a firstholding portion 2351, and a second holding portion 2352. The firstholding portion 2351 holds the first movable portion 2341 to bedisplaceable, while the second holding portion 2352 holds the secondmovable portion 2342 to be displaceable. The first holding portion 2351is set on a first end portion of a substrate 2030 in a direction x toprotrude from an opening 2011 in a direction z, as shown in FIG. 55. Thesecond holding portion 2352 is set on a second end portion of thesubstrate 2030 in the direction x to protrude from an opening 2012 inthe direction z, as shown in FIG. 54. The first and second holdingportions 2351 and 2352, set on different positions, are identical instructure to each other. The first and second movable portions 2341 and2342, set on different positions, are also identical in structure toeach other.

The first and second movable portions 2341 and 2342 are sphericallyformed. The first movable portion 2341 is provided with a firstconnector 2031, while the second movable portion 2342 is provided with asecond connector 2032. The first holding portion 2351 is provided with arecess portion 2351a engaging with the first movable portion 2341. Thesecond holding portion 2352 is provided with a recess portion engagingwith the second movable portion 2342.

Referring to FIG. 55, the first movable portion 2341 is in a firstdisplaced state. In the first displaced state of the first movableportion 2341, the motion sensor 2005 coupled to the first connector 2031has a detection range centering on an axis L1 directed toward thedirection z. Referring to FIG. 56, on the other hand, the first movableportion 2341 is in a second displaced state different from the firstdisplaced state. The first movable portion 2341 is rotated in the recessportion 2351 a, to be switched from the first displaced state to thesecond displaced state. In the second displaced state of the firstmovable portion 2341, the motion sensor 2005 coupled to the firstconnector 2031 has a detection range centering on an axis L1′ inclinedwith respect to the direction z.

The second movable portion 2342 and the second holding portion 2352 areidentical in structure to the first movable portion 2341 and the firstholding portion 2351 respectively, and hence the second movable portion2342 can also enter first and second displaced states.

The LED lamp A2 with a motion sensor can be enter a first used statewhere the motion sensor 2005 is coupled to the first connector 2031 anda second used state where the motion sensor 2005 is coupled to thesecond connector 2032, similarly to the LED lamp A1 with a motionsensor.

In the LED lamp A2 with a motion sensor, further, the motion sensor 2005itself has no function of changing a main detecting direction, but thefirst and second movable portions 2341 and 2342 provided with the firstand second connectors 2031 and 2032 are formed to be displaceable, asdescribed above. Also according to this structure, the detection rangeof the motion sensor 2005 can be properly selected.

FIGS. 57 and 58 show an LED lamp A3 with a motion sensor according to athird embodiment of the third structural example of the presentinvention. The LED lamp A3 with a motion sensor shown in FIGS. 57 and 58includes a flexible member 2008, while the details of a motion sensor2005 thereof are different from those in the LED lamp A1 with a motionsensor. The remaining structure of the LED lamp A3 with a motion sensoris similar to that of the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor. FIGS. 57 and58 show a state where the LED lamp A3 with a motion sensor is mounted ona stepped ceiling W1 a. As shown in FIGS. 57 and 58, the ceiling W1 a ispartially recessed to separate from the floor, and the LED lamp A3 witha motion sensor is mounted in a recess portion W1 b.

When the motion sensor 2005 is directly coupled to a first connector2031 or a second connector 2032 in such positional relation, the sidesurface of the recess portion W1 b may limit a detection range of themotion sensor 2005. According to the third embodiment, therefore, themotion sensor 2005 fixed to the ceiling W1 a is coupled to the firstconnector 2031 or the second connector 2032 with the flexible member2008, as shown in FIG. 57.

The flexible member 2008 has a longitudinal direction, and includesfirst and second coupling portions 2081 and 2082 separating from eachother in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the flexiblemember 2008 is obtained by forming the first coupling portion 2081couplable to the motion sensor 2005 on a first end portion of a memberprepared by covering a plurality of copper wires with protective resinand forming the second coupling portion 2082 couplable to the firstconnector 2031 or the second connector 2032 on a second end portion. Inthe LED lamp A3 with a motion sensor, the second coupling portion 2082is coupled to the first connector 2031 in a first used state, and thesecond coupling portion 2082 is coupled to the second connector 2032 ina second used state.

The motion sensor 2005 of the LED lamp A3 with a motion sensor accordingto the third embodiment includes a spherical member 2051 and a holdingportion 2052. The holding portion 2052 is formed to be fixable to theceiling W1 a.

FIGS. 59 and 60 show an LED lamp A4 with a motion sensor according to afourth embodiment of the third structural example of the presentinvention. The LED lamp A4 with a motion sensor shown in FIG. 59 isemployed as the substitution of an annular fluorescent lamp. The basicstructure of the LED lamp A4 with a motion sensor is similar to that ofthe LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor, while some points of the LED lampA4 with a motion sensor are different from those of the LED lamp A1 witha motion sensor, in order to implement the annular structure. The pointsof the LED lamp A4 with a motion sensor different from those of the LEDlamp A1 with a motion sensor are now described.

The LED lamp A4 with a motion sensor includes a base 2073 connected to asocket Sa coupled to a power supply device P1, and is provided with adiffusing cover 2001 annular as viewed along a direction z. Thediffusing cover 2001 is set to link both ends of the base 2073 with eachother. The diffusing cover 2001 stores a plurality of LED modulesarrayed along the circumferential direction, and a support membersupporting the plurality of LED modules. The support member includes asubstrate, annular as viewed along the direction z, having a sectionsimilar to that of the substrate 2030 of the LED lamp A1 with a motionsensor, for example, and the plurality of LED modules are set on a setsurface of the substrate. The base 2073 stores a control circuitcontrolling the plurality of LED modules.

According to this structure, it follows that both ends of the supportmember are positioned in the vicinity of both ends of the base 2073, toreduce the significance of providing connectors in the vicinity of bothends of the support member respectively as in the LED lamp A1 with amotion sensor. According to the fourth embodiment, therefore, thesupport member includes one connector 2036. The diffusing cover 2001 isprovided with an opening exposing the connector 2036. The opening isformed on a position, such as that immediately close to the base 2073,for example, not overlapping with the plurality of LED modules as viewedalong the direction z.

The motion sensor 2005 in the fourth embodiment is identical to themotion sensor 2005 of the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor. The motionsensor 2005 is coupled to the connector 2036, and connected to thecontrol circuit through the connector 2036.

The motion sensor 2005 is capable of changing a detection range thereofby rotating the spherical member 2051, as described with reference tothe LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor. FIG. 60 illustrates a detectionrange C1 centering on an axis L1 directed toward the direction z and adetection range C2 centering on an axis L2 inclined with respect to thedirection z. When a direction toward which the axis L1 is directed isregarded as a first main detecting direction, a direction toward whichthe axis L2 is directed can be regarded as a second main detectingdirection.

A used state of the LED lamp A4 with a motion sensor cannot be variedwith the position of the connector 2036, dissimilarly to the case of theLED lamp A1 with a motion sensor. Substitutionally, it follows that theused state of the LED lamp A4 with a motion sensor is changed byrotating the spherical member 2051. The LED lamp A4 with a motion sensorcan enter a first used state where the motion sensor 2005 has thedetection range C1, and a second used state where the motion sensor 2005has the detection range C2.

FIG. 61 shows an LED lamp A5 with a motion sensor according to a fifthembodiment of the third structural example of the present invention. TheLED lamp A5 with a motion sensor shown in FIG. 61 is employed as thesubstitution of an incandescent lamp. Referring to FIG. 61, a socket Sbis set in a recess portion W1 b provided on a ceiling W1 a. The socketSb is connected to a power supply device P1 set on the ceiling W1 a.

The LED lamp A5 with a motion sensor includes a generally semisphericaldiffusing cover 2001, a support member 2003, a base 2074, and a flexiblemember 2008, for example. A plurality of LED modules are set on thesupport member 2003. The diffusing cover 2001 covers the LED modules.The support member 2003 also stores a control circuit for controllingthe LED modules. The base 2074 is fixed to an upper end portion of thesupport member 2003 in a direction Z in FIG. 61, and fitted into thesocket Sb. The plurality of LED modules and the control circuit areconnected to the power supply device P1 through the base 2074 and thesocket Sb. The flexible member 2008 is similar to the flexible member2008 of the LED lamp A3 with a motion sensor, for example. The motionsensor 2005 is similar to the motion sensor 2005 of the LED lamp A3 witha motion sensor, for example.

The support member 2003 includes a connector 2037, connected to theaforementioned control circuit, on a position not overlapping with thediffusing cover 2001 as viewed along a direction x. A second couplingportion 2082 of the flexible member 2008 is coupled to the connector2037.

Such an LED lamp A5 with a motion sensor tends to elongate in thedirection z, and is often stored in the recess portion W1 b, as shown inFIG. 61. In this case, there is a possibility that the side surface ofthe recess portion W1 b limits a detection range of the motion sensor2005, even if the motion sensor 2005 is arranged on the diffusing cover2001 relatively close to the floor in the direction z. Also in thiscase, the motion sensor 2005 can be set in a state pulled out of therecess portion W1 b due to the flexible member 2008 provided on the LEDlamp A5 with a motion sensor, and the detection range of the motionsensor 2005 can be prevented from narrowing.

The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to the third structuralexample of the present invention is not restricted to the aforementionedembodiments. The specific structures of the respective portions of theLED lamp with a motion sensor according to the third structural exampleof the present invention can be changed in design in various ways.

For example, the motion sensor 2005 has a function of changing the maindetecting direction in each of the LED lamps A3 and A5 with motionsensors, similarly to that of the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor.According to the structure of each of the LED lamps A3 and A5 withmotion sensors, however, the motion sensor 2005 can be set on arelatively free position with the flexible member 2008. Therefore, themotion sensor 2005 may be brought into a simple structure similar tothat of the motion sensor 2005 of the LED lamp A2 with a motion sensor,so that each of the LED lamps A3 and A5 with motion sensors is broughtinto a first used state and a second used state by changing the setposition of the motion sensor 2005. The set position of the motionsensor 2005 can be easily changed by deforming the flexible member 2008.

The first and second connectors 2031 and 3032, fixed in the LED lamp A1with a motion sensor, may alternatively be provided on first and secondmovable portions 2341 and 2342, similarly to the first and secondconnectors 2031 and 2032 of the LED lamp A2 with a motion sensor. Inthis case, it follows that the holding portion 2052 holding thespherical member 2051 is fitted into the first or second movable portion2341 or 2342. In this case, the detection range can be more widelychanged.

In the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor, the first and second connectors2031 and 2032 may be formed to be movable in the direction z. The LEDlamp A1 with a motion sensor may also be set on a recessed portion ofthe ceiling W1, as in the situation described with reference to the LEDlamp A3 with a motion sensor. When the first and second connectors 2031and 2032 are so formed that the same can be pulled out to approach thefloor face in the direction z in this case, the detection range of themotion sensor 2005 is hardly narrowed by the recess in the ceiling W1.The motion sensor 2005 itself may have a function of moving thecondensing portion 2512 to approach the floor face in the direction z.

In the LED lamp A1 with a motion sensor, the control circuit provided inthe electrical circuit portion 2004 may have a switching function, to becapable of turning on the plurality of LED modules 2002 regardless of asignal received from the motion sensor 2005. In this case, the first andsecond connectors 2031 and 2032 are preferably covered with a coversimilar in appearance to the diffusing cover 2001. This is alsoapplicable to the LED lamps A2 to A4 with motion sensors.

The present invention may be embodied in other ways in the range of thescope of claims for patent.

From the description of this specification and the attached drawings,the following characteristics are extractable, in addition to thosedescribed in the scope of claims for patent:

A1. An LED lamp mounted on a lighting fixture, including:

an LED source portion including a plurality of LED chips;

a motion sensor having a sensitivity region centering on a sensitivityaxis; and

a case holding the LED source portion and the motion sensor in common,wherein

an illumination axis passing through the center of a light-emitting areaof the LED source portion and the sensitivity axis of the motion sensorare unparallel to each other.

According to this structure, the LED lamp stores the motion sensor,whereby an illuminator having a function capable of sensing humanentrance into the periphery of an illuminated region can be providedalso when the lighting fixture includes no motion sensor. Further, theillumination axis and the sensitivity axis of the motion sensor areunparallel to each other, whereby the illumination axis and thesensitivity axis can be independently set. Therefore, the sensitivityregion of the motion sensor can be set so that the motion sensor canexcellently sense human entrance into the periphery of the illuminatedregion, while improving the appearance of the LED lamp in a lighting-upstate by arranging the motion sensor on a position avoiding the centerof the light-emitting area of the LED source portion, for example. Thus,an LED lamp compatibly attaining an improved appearance in thelighting-up state and an excellent human sensing function can beprovided.

The case may be provided in the form of a bulb, or may be in the form ofa straight pipe. In other words, the LED lamp may be provided in theform of a bulb employable as the substitution of a bulb, or may beprovided in the form of a straight pipe employable as a straightfluorescent lamp.

A2. The LED lamp according to Item A1, wherein

the case is provided in the form of a straight pipe extending in aprescribed longitudinal direction,

the plurality of LED chips are arrayed to extend in the prescribeddirection, and

the motion sensor is arranged on a position separating from thelongitudinal center of the case.

According to this structure, the motion sensor is arranged on theposition separating from the longitudinal center of the case, wherebythe longitudinal center is not darkened when the LED lamp is turned on.Therefore, a straight LED lamp appearing excellent in a lighting-upstate can be provided.

A3. The LED lamp according to Item A2, wherein

the illumination axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of thecase, and

the sensitivity axis of the motion sensor is inclined in a directionapproaching the illumination axis from the motion sensor.

According to this structure, the illuminated region spreading around theillumination axis and the sensitivity region of the motion sensor can beconformed to each other. Thus, an LED lamp capable of excellentlysensing human entrance into the periphery of the illuminated region andexhibiting an excellent appearance with no dark portion at thelongitudinal center can be provided.

A4. The LED lamp according to Item A2 or A3, wherein

the motion sensor is arranged on a longitudinal end portion of the case.

According to this structure, no dark portion resulting from the motionsensor is formed on an intermediate portion of the light-emitting areaof the LED source portion extending along the longitudinal direction ofthe case. Therefore, the appearance of the LED lamp in a lighting-upstate can be more improved.

A5. The LED lamp according to Item A4, further including a pair ofconnectors provided on both longitudinal end portions of the case fordetachably holding the motion sensor and electrically connected to themotion sensor.

According to this structure, the motion sensor can be attached to ordetached from either connector provided on the LED lamp, whereby a humansensing function can be arbitrarily added to the LED lamp. In otherwords, an LED lamp designed to be applicable to a specification with nohuman sensing function and that with a human sensing function in commoncan be provided. In addition, a motion sensor having a proper structurecan be selected and used in response to the type or the arrangement ofthe lighting fixture. The connectors are provided on both longitudinalend portions of the case respectively, whereby the motion sensor can bearranged on either end portion. Therefore, the arrangement of the motionsensor can be arbitrarily selected in response to individualcircumstances such as the arrangement of the lighting fixture.

A6. The LED lamp according to any one of Items A1 to A5, wherein

the sensitivity axis of the motion sensor and the illumination axisintersect with each other on a position separating from the LED sourceportion toward the illuminated region by a prescribed distance.

According to this structure, the LED lamp can excellently sense humanentrance into the periphery of the illuminated region also when themotion sensor is arranged to avoid the center of the light-emitting areaof the LED source portion.

A7. The LED lamp according to any one of Items A1 to A6, wherein

the center of the sensitivity region of the motion sensor on theposition separating from the LED source portion toward the illuminatedregion by the prescribed distance conforms to a virtual center of thesensitivity region in a case of conforming the illumination axis and thesensitivity axis of the motion sensor to each other by arranging themotion sensor at the center of the light-emitting area of the LED sourceportion.

According to this structure, the LED lamp can excellently sense humanentrance into the periphery of the illuminated region also when themotion sensor is arranged to avoid the center of the light-emitting areaof the LED source portion. In other words, a human sensing functionequivalent that in a case of arranging the motion sensor at the centerof the light-emitting area can be implemented.

A8. The LED lamp according to any one of Items A1 to A7, furtherincluding a connector provided on the case for detachably holding themotion sensor and electrically connected to the motion sensor.

According to this structure, the motion sensor can be attachedto/detached from the connector provided on the LED lamp, whereby a humansensing function can be arbitrarily added to the LED lamp. In otherwords, an LED lamp designed to be applicable to a specification with nohuman sensing function and that with a human sensing function in commoncan be provided. In addition, a motion sensor having a proper structurecan be selected and used in response to the type or the arrangement ofthe lighting fixture.

A9. The LED lamp according to Item A8, wherein

the motion sensor includes a sensor body, a lead wire extending from thesensor body, and a plug fixed to an end portion of the lead wire andcouplable to the connector.

According to this structure, the sensor body can be arranged on aposition separating from the case of the LED lamp, whereby thesensitivity region of the motion sensor can be more freely set. When theLED lamp is applied to a recessed lighting fixture, for example, aproper sensitivity region may not be obtainable from the position of thecase. More specifically, the sensitivity region may be narrowed due tothe structure of the lighting fixture. In this case, an excellentsensitivity region can be obtained by arranging the sensor body on theposition separating from the case.

A10. The LED lamp according to any one of Items A1 to A9, furtherincluding a sensor mounting structure mounting the motion sensor to thecase so that the direction of the sensitivity axis is changeable.

According to this structure, the sensitivity region of the motion sensorcan be more freely set, whereby an excellent appearance in thelighting-up state and an excellent human sensing function can be easilycompatibly attained.

A11. The LED lamp according to any one of Items A1 to A10, wherein

the motion sensor includes a pyroelectric infrared sensor, and

the LED lamp further includes a shutter unit opening/closing an infraredincidence path to a photoreceiving surface of the pyroelectric infraredsensor.

If the shutter unit opens/closes (e.g. periodically shuts) the infraredincidence path when a human being is present in the sensitivity regionof the pyroelectric infrared sensor, the pyroelectric infrared sensoroutputs a signal resulting from a pyroelectric effect even if the humanbeing stands still. When no human being is present in the sensitivityregion, no significant change appears in the output of the pyroelectricinfrared sensor even if the shutter unit opens/closes the infraredincidence path. Thus, a stationary human body sensing function can beprovided with the pyroelectric infrared sensor at a remarkably lowercost as compared with a temperature sensor. Further, the pyroelectricinfrared sensor provided on the motion sensor can also be employed forsensing a stationary human body, whereby the cost for the LED lamp canbe effectively reduced.

A12. The LED lamp according to any one of Items A1 to A10, furtherincluding:

a pyroelectric infrared sensor having a predetermined sensitivityregion:

a shutter unit opening/closing an infrared incidence path to aphotoreceiving surface of the pyroelectric infrared sensor; and

a controller which is formed to determine the presence or absence of ahuman being in the sensitivity region on the basis of an output signalreceived from the pyroelectric infrared sensor and to control the LEDsource portion in response to the result of the determination.

Also according to this structure, a stationary human body sensingfunction can be provided due to a similar principle, without employing atemperature sensor. Further, the pyroelectric infrared sensor isprovided separately from the motion sensor, whereby the sensitivityregions of the pyroelectric infrared sensor and the motion sensor can beindividually set. Thus, the LED lamp can more properly sense thepresence or absence of a stationary human being and properly control theLED source portion in response to the result of the sensing.

B1. An LED lamp including:

a plurality of LED chips;

a control portion controlling power supplied to the plurality of LEDchips; and

a radio wave sensing portion sensing a radio wave transmitted from aradio wave transmission means carried by a user and outputting a sensingsignal to the control portion.

According to this structure, the radio wave sensing portion senses theradio wave transmitted from the radio wave transmission means carried bythe user when the user stays around the LED lamp, so that the LED lampcan recognize the presence of the user. When the user stays around theLED lamp, therefore, the LED lamp can be prevented from being turned offagainst the intension of the user.

B2. The LED lamp according to Item B1, wherein

the control portion continues a lighting-up state if the sensing signaltransmitted from the radio wave sensing portion is input therein whenkeeping the plurality of LED chips in the lighting-up state.

B3. The LED lamp according to Item B2, wherein

the control portion continues the lighting-up state of the plurality ofLED chips when radio wave strength based on the sensing signal from theradio wave sensing portion is higher than reference radio wave strength.

B4. The LED lamp according to any one of Items B1 to B3, wherein

the radio wave transmission means is a portable telephone.

B5. The LED lamp according to Item B4, wherein

the radio wave sensing portion senses a positional information radiowave from the portable telephone.

B6. The LED lamp according to Item B4, wherein

the radio wave sensing portion senses a load completion informationradio wave from the portable telephone.

B7. The LED lamp according to any one of Items B1 to B6, furtherincluding a motion sensor sensing entrance of the user into a sensingrange and outputting a sensing signal to the control portion, wherein

the control portion brings the plurality of LED chips into thelighting-up state if the sensing signal from the motion sensor is inputtherein when keeping the plurality of LED chips in a lighting-out state.

B8. The LED lamp according to Item B7, wherein

the motion sensor senses infrared rays emitted by the user.

B9. The LED lamp according to Item B7 or B8, wherein

the control portion has a timer circuit counting the running time of theplurality of LED chips, and brings the plurality of LED chips, kept inthe lighting-up state, into a lighting-out state when the running timeexceeds a prescribed level.

B10. The LED lamp according to Item B9, wherein

the control portion resets the timer circuit counting the running timeif the sensing signal from the motion sensor is input therein when theplurality of LED chips are in the lighting-up state.

B11. The LED lamp according to Item B9 or B10, wherein

the control portion resets the timer circuit counting the running timeif the sensing signal from the radio wave sensing portion is inputtherein when the plurality of LED chips are in the lighting-up state.

B12. The LED lamp according to any one of Items B1 to B11, furtherincluding an illuminance sensor sensing the illuminance of externallight and outputting a sensing signal to the control portion, wherein

the control portion is capable of selecting an all-night running mode ofbringing the plurality of LED chips into an all-night running statedarker than a total lighting-up state when the illuminance based on thesensing signal from the illuminance sensor is lower than predeterminedreference illuminance.

B13. The LED lamp according to Item B12, further including a storageportion storing the illuminance based on the sensing signal from theilluminance sensor, wherein

the reference illuminance is illuminance obtained by adding constantilluminance to illuminance at a time of bringing the plurality of LEDchips into the all-night running state when receiving no external light.

B14. The LED lamp according to Item B13, wherein

the control portion is capable of selecting an initial setting mode ofstoring the illuminance in the storage portion.

B15. The LED lamp according to Item B14, wherein

the control portion inhibits new storage in the storage portion when theinitial setting mode is not selected.

B16. The LED lamp according to anyone of Items B13 to B15, wherein

the control portion is capable of selecting a reset mode of erasing theilluminance stored in the storage portion.

C1. An LED lamp with a motion sensor, including:

a plurality of LED modules;

a control circuit connected with the plurality of LED modules; and

a motion sensor connected to the control circuit and having a prescribeddetection range, and entering:

a first used state where the motion sensor has a first detection range;and

a second used state where the motion sensor has a second detection rangeincluding a region not included in the first detection range.

The LED lamp with a motion sensor provided according to the presentinvention is set on a ceiling, and employed for illuminating a room, forexample. The motion sensor determines the presence or absence of a humanbeing in the detection range by sensing infrared rays, for example, andtransmits a signal to the control circuit. The control circuit turns offthe plurality of LED modules when receiving a signal indicating absenceof a human being in the detection range. Depending on the set positionof the LED lamp with a motion sensor, a partial region of the room maybe out of the detection range. The LED lamp with a motion sensorprovided according to the present invention is used in the second statewhen the partial region of the room gets out of the first detectionrange in the first used state, for example, so that the problem can besolved. In the second used state, the motion sensor has the seconddetection range including the region not included in the first detectionrange. Therefore, there is a sufficient possibility that the partialregion of the room having been out of the first detection range isincluded in the second detection range. Even if the presence or absenceof a human being cannot be correctly determined in the first used state,there is a possibility that the presence or absence of a human being canbe correctly determined when the LED lamp with a motion sensor isbrought into the second used state. Therefore, the LED lamp with amotion sensor provided according to the present invention can morecorrectly determine the presence or absence of a human being as comparedwith a case where the detection range of the motion sensor is fixed toonly one detection range.

C2. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C1, wherein

the plurality of LED modules are arrayed along a first direction,

the LED lamp with a motion sensor further includes a support memberelongating along the first direction for supporting the plurality of LEDmodules,

the support member includes a first connector connected to the controlcircuit and a second connector, separating from the first connector inthe first direction, connected to the control circuit,

the motion sensor is connected to the control circuit through the firstconnector in the first used state, and

the motion sensor is connected to the control circuit through the secondconnector in the second used state.

C3. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C2, wherein

the first detection range centers on an axis directed toward a firstmain detecting direction, and

the motion sensor further has an additional first detection rangecentering on an axis directed toward a second main detecting directioninclined with respect to the first main detecting direction in the firstused state.

C4. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C3, wherein

the second detection range centers on an axis directed toward the firstmain detecting direction, and

the motion sensor further has an additional second detection rangecentering on an axis directed toward the second main detecting directionin the second used state.

C5. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C3 or C4,wherein

the motion sensor includes a sensor portion and a holding portionholding the sensor portion, and

the holding portion enters a first holding state of holding the sensorportion so that the motion sensor has a detection range centering on anaxis directed toward the first main detecting direction and a secondholding state of holding the sensor portion so that the motion sensorhas a detection range centering on an axis directed toward the secondmain detecting direction.

C6. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C5, wherein

the motion sensor further includes a spherical member,

the sensor portion is provided on the spherical member,

a recess portion engaging with the spherical member is formed in theholding portion, and

the spherical member is rotated in the recess portion, thereby switchingthe first holding state and the second holding state.

C7. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to any one of Items C3to C6, wherein

the support member includes a first movable portion provided with thefirst connector and a first holding portion holding the first movableportion to be displaceable, and

the first movable portion enters a first displaced state where themotion sensor connected to the first connector has a detection rangecentering on an axis directed toward the first main detecting directionand a second displaced state where the motion sensor connected to thefirst connector has a detection range centering on an axis directedtoward the second main detecting direction.

C8. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C7, wherein

the first movable portion is spherically formed, and a recess portionengaging with the first movable portion is formed in the first holdingportion, and

the first movable portion is rotated in the recess portion, therebyswitching the first displaced state and the second displaced state ofthe first movable portion.

C9. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C7 or C8,wherein

the support member includes a second movable portion provided with thesecond connector and a second holding portion holding the second movableportion to be displaceable, and

the second movable portion enters a first displaced state where themotion sensor connected to the second connector has a detection rangecentering on an axis directed toward the first main detecting directionand a second displaced state where the motion sensor connected to thesecond connector has a detection range centering on an axis directedtoward the second main detecting direction.

C10. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C9, wherein

the second movable portion is spherically formed, and a recess portionengaging with the second movable portion is formed in the second holdingportion, and

the second movable portion is rotated in the recess portion, therebyswitching the first displaced state and the second displaced state ofthe second movable portion.

C11. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to any one of Items C2to C10, further including a flexible member having a longitudinaldirection, wherein

the flexible member includes a first coupling portion and a secondcoupling portion separating from each other in the longitudinaldirection,

the first coupling portion is coupled to the motion sensor, and

the second coupling portion is coupled to the first connector in thefirst used state, and coupled to the second connector in the second usedstate.

C12. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to any one of Items C2to C11, wherein

the first connector and the second connector are set on positions notoverlapping with the plurality of LED modules as viewed along a seconddirection orthogonal to the first direction.

C13. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C12, wherein

the first connector is set on a first end portion of the support memberin the first direction, and the second connector is set on a second endportion of the support member in the first direction.

C14. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to any one of Items C2to C13, further including a diffusing cover, covering the plurality ofLED modules, elongating in the first direction, wherein

a first opening exposing the first connector and a second openingexposing the second connector are formed in the diffusing cover.

C15. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C1, wherein

the first detection range centers on an axis directed toward a firstmain detecting direction, and

the second detection range centers on an axis directed toward a secondmain detecting direction inclined with respect to the first maindetecting direction.

C16. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C15, furtherincluding a support member supporting the plurality of LED modules,wherein

the support member includes a connector connected to the controlcircuit, and

the motion sensor is connected to the control circuit through theconnector.

C17. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C16, wherein

the motion sensor has a sensor portion and a holding portion holding thesensor portion, and

the holding portion holds the sensor portion so that the motion sensorhas the first detecting range in the first used state, and holds thesensor portion so that the motion sensor has the second detection rangein the second used state.

C18. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C17, wherein

the motion sensor further includes a spherical member,

the sensor portion is provided on the spherical member,

a recess portion engaging with the spherical member is formed in theholding portion, and

the spherical member is rotated in the recess portion, thereby switchingthe first used state and the second used state.

C19. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to any one of Items C16to C18, wherein

the support member has a movable portion provided with the connector anda holding portion holding the movable portion to be displaceable, and

the movable portion enters a first displaced state where the motionsensor connected to the connector has the first detection range and asecond displaced state where the motion sensor connected to theconnector has the second detection range.

C20. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C19, wherein

the movable portion is spherically formed, and a recess portion engagingwith the movable portion is formed in the holding portion, and

the movable portion is rotated in the recess portion, thereby switchingthe first displaced state and the second displaced state of the movableportion.

C21. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to any one of Items C16to C20, further including a flexible member having a longitudinaldirection, wherein

the flexible member includes a first coupling portion and a secondcoupling portion separating from each other in the longitudinaldirection,

the first coupling portion is coupled to the motion sensor, and

the second coupling portion is coupled to the connector.

C22. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to Item C1, furtherincluding:

a support member supporting the plurality of LED modules and including aconnector connected to the control circuit; and

a flexible member having a longitudinal direction, wherein

the flexible member includes a first coupling portion and a secondcoupling portion separating from each other in the longitudinaldirection,

the first coupling portion is coupled to the motion sensor,

the second coupling portion is coupled to the connector, and

the flexible member is deformed, thereby switching the first used stateand the second used state.

C23. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to any one of Items C16to C22, further including a diffusing cover covering the plurality ofLED modules, wherein

an opening exposing the connector is formed in the diffusing cover.

C24. The LED lamp with a motion sensor according to any one of Items C16to C23, wherein

the plurality of LED modules are at least partially set on a set surfaceincluding a first direction, and

the connector is arranged on a position not overlapping with theplurality of LED modules as viewed along a direction perpendicular tothe set surface.

According to the present invention, an LED lamp having a functioncapable of sensing human entrance into the periphery of an illuminatedregion and exhibiting an excellent appearance in a lighting-up state canbe provided.

The present invention also relates to an LED lamp storing a plurality ofLED chips and switching a lighting-up state and a lighting-out state inresponse to the presence or absence of a user.

FIG. 38 shows an example of a conventional LED lamp (refer to JapaneseUnexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-16093, for example). An LED lamp1900 shown in FIG. 38 stores a plurality of LED chips (not shown) as alight source, and is mounted on a ceiling 1850. The LED lamp 1900includes a motion sensor 1091. The motion sensor 1091 is an infraredsensor generating electromotive force by receiving infrared rays, forexample, and outputs a sensing signal when a user 1800 walking on afloor 1860 enters a detection range 1092. The LED lamp 1900 turns on theplurality of LED chips on the basis of the sensing signal received fromthe motion sensor 1091.

The motion sensor 1091 utilizing the electromotive force generated byreceiving infrared rays is capable of sensing entrance of the user 1800into the sensing range 1092, while the same is incapable of sensingcontinuous presence of the user 1800 in the sensing range 1092 inprinciple. Therefore, the LED lamp 1900 turns off the plurality of LEDchips after a lapse of a constant time from the output of the sensingsignal from the motion sensor 1091. If the user 1800 is still present ina range illuminated with the LED lamp 1900 at this time, it follows thathe/she is unintentionally brought into a dark environment.

The present invention has been proposed under the aforementionedcircumstances, and can provide an LED lamp inhibited from being turnedoff against the intention of a user.

The present invention also relates to an LED lamp with a motion sensorstoring a plurality of LED chips and employed for indoor illumination,for example.

FIG. 62 shows an example of a conventional LED lamp with a motion sensor(refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-16093, forexample). An LED lamp 2090 with a motion sensor shown in FIG. 62includes a frame 2091, a radiator plate 2092, a plurality of substrates2093, a plurality of LED modules 2094 set on each substrate 2093, anelectrical circuit component 2095, a motion sensor 2096, a diffusingcover 2097, and end caps 2098 a and 2098 b.

As shown in FIG. 62, the LED lamp 2090 with a motion sensor is formed toelongate in a direction x. Directions y and z shown in FIG. 62 areorthogonal to the direction x. The radiator plate 2092 is made ofaluminum, for example, and arranged to be held between the plurality ofsubstrates 2093 and the frame 2091 in the direction z. The plurality ofsubstrates 2093 are arrayed along the direction x, and mounted on theframe 2091 with screws, for example. The plurality of LED modules 2094are arranged on each substrate 2093 at prescribed intervals from oneanother. Heat generated by the LED modules 2094 in a lighting-up stateis transmitted to the radiator plate 2092. The electrical circuitcomponent 2095 includes a control circuit rectifying externalalternating current to direct current and supplying constant current tothe plurality of LED modules 2094. The electrical circuit component 2095is set on a first end portion of the frame 2091 in the direction x. Themotion sensor 2096 includes a generally cylindrical sensor portion 2961receiving infrared rays. The motion sensor 2096 is fixed to theelectrical circuit component 2095. The diffusing cover 2097 is made ofwhite resin, and formed to elongate in the direction x with a U-shapedsection, for example. The diffusing cover 2097 is mounted on the frame2091 to cover the plurality of LED modules 2094. The end cap 2098 a isinserted into first end portions of the frame 2091 and the diffusingcover 2097 in the direction x, and the end cap 2098 b is inserted intosecond end portions. An opening 2981 for exposing the sensor portion2961 of the motion sensor 2096 is formed in the end cap 2098 a.

Such an LED lamp 2090 with a motion sensor is mounted on a ceiling sothat the diffusing cover 2097 is directed toward a floor face andconnected to a commercial power source as the substitution of a straightfluorescent lamp, for example. When power is supplied, direct currentrectified by the electrical circuit component 2095 is supplied to theplurality of LED modules 2094, to turn on the plurality of LED modules2094. The motion sensor 2096 has a detection range centering on an axisdirected toward a direction from the ceiling to the floor, for example.The motion sensor 2096 detects the body temperature of a human beingpresent in the detection range, thereby determining the presence orabsence of the human being in the detection range. When determining thatno human being is present in the detection range, the motion sensor 2096transmits a signal indicating absence of a human being to the controlcircuit provided in the electrical circuit component 2095. Whenreceiving the signal, the control circuit stops supplying the current tothe plurality of LED modules 2094. Therefore, the LED lamp 2090 with amotion sensor is naturally turned off when no human being is present inthe room even if a user forgets to turn off the same, to contribute toreduction of power consumption.

FIG. 63 shows a state where the LED lamp 2090 with a motion sensor isset on a region of a ceiling W1 close to a wall W2. In order to bringthe LED lamp 2090 with a motion sensor into a usable state, theelectrical circuit component 2095 must be connected to the commercialpower source. Therefore, a power supply device 2099 connected to thecommercial power source is set on the ceiling W1. The LED lamp 2090 witha motion sensor is fixed to the ceiling W1, so that the electricalcircuit component 2095 is connected to the power supply device 2099.

As to the mode of application of the LED lamp 2090 with a motion sensor,such a case is assumed that the same is used as the substitution of anexisting fluorescent lamp. In this case, the power supply device 2099for supplying power to the fluorescent lamp is already set on theceiling W1. The electrical circuit component 2095 must be connected tothe existing power supply device 2099, and hence the LED lamp 2090 witha motion sensor cannot be fixed to an arbitrary position of the ceilingW1 in an arbitrary direction, but it follows that the same is fixable toonly a specific position in a specific direction. When the power supplydevice 2099 is set on a position relatively close to the wall W2 asshown in FIG. 63, the following problem may arise.

As described above, the motion sensor 2096 of the LED lamp 2090 with amotion sensor is fixed to the electrical circuit component 2095. Whenthe power supply device 2099 is set on the position relatively close tothe wall W2, therefore, the LED lamp 2090 with a motion sensor is fixedto the ceiling W1 in such a direction that the electrical circuitcomponent 2095 is arranged close to the wall W2. The motion sensor 2096is fixed to the electrical circuit component 2095 as described above,and it follows that the motion sensor 2096 is also arranged close to thewall W2. At this time, it follows that only part of a range originallydetectable by the motion sensor 2096 is effectively put to practical usein a detection range Cx of the motion sensor 2096, due to the presenceof the wall W2. When the range originally detectable by the motionsensor 2096 is similar to the magnitude of a room where the LED lamp2090 with a motion sensor is assumed to be set, it follows that thedetection range Cx limited by the wall W2 is smaller than the magnitudeof the room. When a human being is present in the vicinity of a wall ofthe room opposite to the wall W2 in this case, for example, there is apossibility that the motion sensor 2096 cannot detect him/her butoutputs a signal indicating absence of a human being to the controlcircuit to turn off the LED lamp 2090 with a motion sensor. The LED lamp2090 with a motion sensor cannot be set in a room where the power supplydevice 2099 is provided on a position close to a wall, or an operationmust be performed in order to change the position of the power supplydevice 2099, due to the aforementioned problem.

The present invention has been thought out under the aforementionedcircumstances, and can provide an LED lamp with a motion sensor capableof more correctly determining the presence or absence of a human being.

While the present invention has been described in detail by way of theembodiments thereof, it should be understood that these embodiments aremerely illustrative of the technical principles of the present inventionbut not limitative of the invention. The spirit and scope of the presentinvention are to be limited only by the appended claims.

This application corresponds to Japanese Patent Application No.2011-96345 filed with the Japan Patent Office on Apr. 22, 2011, JapanesePatent Application No. 2011-99779 filed with the Japan Patent Office onApr. 27, 2011, Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-132339 filed withthe Japan Patent Office on Jun. 14, 2011, Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2011-144585 filed with the Japan Patent Office on Jun. 29, 2011,Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-144714 filed with the Japan PatentOffice on Jun. 29, 2011, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-87644filed with the Japan Patent Office on Apr. 6, 2012, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

1.-17. (canceled)
 18. A straight LED lamp, comprising: a substrateincluding two opposed first sides and a second side as an end portion ofthe first side, the second side is shorter than the first side; an LEDchip group including a plurality of LED chips disposed on a frontsurface of the substrate at least along an extension direction of thefirst side; a case covering the substrate and the LED chip group andbeing able to transmit light emitted from the LED chip group; a capholding the substrate and the case; a base electrically connected to theLED chip group and a socket of a lighting fixture, and connected to thecap; and a connector disposed on the front surface side of the substrateso as to be apart from a center of the first side with respect to theextension direction, to which a living body recognition sensor forrecognizing a living body's presence is mounted, wherein the LED chipgroup emit light with an illumination axis extending toward a directionperpendicular to the front surface of the substrate, the living bodyrecognition sensor is mounted to the connector so that a sensitivityaxis of the living body recognition sensor and the illumination axisintersect with each other.
 19. The straight LED lamp according to claim18, wherein the substrate is held by the cap at the end portion of eachof the first side, the connector is held by the cap.
 20. The straightLED lamp according to claim 18, wherein an opening is formed on a partof the case, the living body recognition sensor is connected to theconnector via the opening.
 21. The straight LED lamp according to claim18, wherein a detecting portion of the living body recognition sensorprotrudes from a surface of the straight LED lamp on the front surfaceside of the substrate.
 22. The straight LED lamp according to claim 18,wherein at least two connectors are provided so as to sandwich thecenter of the first side with respect to the extension direction. 23.The straight LED lamp according to claim 18, further comprising acontroller that changes brightness of light emitted from the LED chipgroup on the basis of recognition of a living body's presence by theliving body recognition sensor.
 24. The straight LED lamp according toclaim 23, wherein the controller has a first mode where the LED chipgroup is changed into lighted state to emit light, in case the livingbody recognition sensor has recognized a living body's presence inrecognition state and the LED chip group is changed into unlighted statewhere light emission is stopped, in case the living body recognitionsensor does not recognize a living body's presence in unrecognitionstate.
 25. The straight LED lamp according to claim 23, wherein thecontroller has a second mode where the LED chip group is changed intolighted state to emit light, in case the living body recognition sensorhas recognized a living body's presence in recognition state and the LEDchip group is changed into semi-lighted state where brightness of lightemitted from the LED chip group is reduced so as to be smaller thanbrightness in the lighted state, in case the living body recognitionsensor does not recognize a living body's presence in unrecognitionstate.
 26. The straight LED lamp according to claim 23, wherein thecontroller has a first mode where the LED chip group is changed intolighted state to emit light, in case the living body recognition sensorhas recognized a living body's presence in recognition state and the LEDchip group is changed into unlighted state where light emission isstopped, in case the living body recognition sensor does not recognize aliving body's presence in unrecognition state, the controller furtherhas a second mode where the LED chip group is changed into lighted stateto emit light, in case the living body recognition sensor has recognizeda living body's presence in recognition state and the LED chip group ischanged into semi-lighted state where brightness of light emitted fromthe LED chip group is reduced so as to be smaller than brightness in thelighted state, in case the living body recognition sensor does notrecognize a living body's presence in unrecognition state.
 27. Thestraight LED lamp according to claim 18, further comprising a livingbody recognition sensor holding mechanism that holds the living bodyrecognition sensor so as to change a direction of the sensitivity axisof the living body recognition sensor.
 28. A straight LED lamp,comprising: a substrate; an LED chip group including a plurality of LEDchips each of which emits light and being disposed on a front surface ofthe substrate; and a connector disposed on the front surface side of thesubstrate so as to be apart from an illumination axis extending toward adirection perpendicular to the front surface of the substrate from acenter of a light-emitting area of light emitted by the LED chip group,to which a living body recognition sensor for recognizing a livingbody's presence is mounted, wherein the living body recognition sensoris mounted to the connector so that a sensitivity axis of the livingbody recognition sensor and the illumination axis intersect with eachother.
 29. The straight LED lamp according to claim 28, furthercomprising a case covering the substrate and the LED chip group, andbeing able to transmit light emitted from the LED chip group, and beingformed with an opening at a part of the case on the front surface sideof the substrate, wherein the living body recognition sensor isconnected to the connector via the opening.
 30. The straight LED lampaccording to claim 28, wherein a detecting portion of the living bodyrecognition sensor protrudes from a surface of the straight LED lamp onthe front surface side of the substrate.
 31. The straight LED lampaccording to claim 28, wherein at least two connectors are provided soas to sandwich the illumination axis.
 32. The straight LED lampaccording to claim 28, further comprising a controller that changesbrightness of light emitted from the LED chip group on the basis ofrecognition of a living body's presence by the living body recognitionsensor.
 33. The straight LED lamp according to claim 28, furthercomprising a living body recognition sensor holding mechanism that holdsthe living body recognition sensor so as to change a direction of thesensitivity axis of the living body recognition sensor.
 34. An LED lamp,comprising: a substrate; an LED chip group including a plurality of LEDchips each of which emits light and being disposed on a front surface ofthe substrate; and a living body recognition sensor for recognizing aliving body's presence, disposed on the front surface side of thesubstrate so as to be apart from an illumination axis extending toward adirection perpendicular to the front surface of the substrate from acenter of a light-emitting area of light emitted by the LED chip group,wherein the living body recognition sensor is formed so that asensitivity axis of the living body recognition sensor and theillumination axis intersect with each other.
 35. The LED lamp accordingto claim 34, further comprising a controller that changes brightness oflight emitted from the LED chip group on the basis of recognition of aliving body's presence by the living body recognition sensor.
 36. TheLED lamp according to claim 34, further comprising a living bodyrecognition sensor holding mechanism that holds the living bodyrecognition sensor so as to change a direction of the sensitivity axisof the living body recognition sensor.